By Rostron
November 25 2005

With a seven-match unbeaten streak behind them, Saracens go to Fortress Kingsholm in good sprits. A workman-like display against Newcastle has showed that the dogged performances of last year might just be back. Starting the season like a New Zealand Sevens side it has taken a few matches for the men in black to remember what it is like to grind out a result.

Gloucester sit just one point behind Sarries in the Guinness premiership table and have themselves rediscovered their love of expansive rugby. A few seasons ago Gloucester almost went the whole season undefeated but have not looked the same side since. The main reason for this sudden change in fortunes was Ludovic Mercier leaving for French club Grenoble two seasons ago. Now that the prolific French fly half is back, Gloucester have seen another dimension in their back play. The introduction of big, bushy England centre Mike Tindall has also helped in restoring some go forward.

Up front, Phil Vickery is back along with another Gallic shed head, Olivier Azam, returning after beefing himself up with Montferrand. I actually met Olivier in some seedy Cheltenham nightclub the night before a big European match. He claimed he was on Ryan’s orders but I’m not so sure. The Gloucester front row will be challenged by a new prop on Saturday though, Hamish Mitchell has signed till the end of the season.

Saracens will have to bear in mind that after breaking their Kingsholm duck on the last match of last season, this year’s Gloucester are a completely different side. Strong up front, a new wily Scrum half in Peter Richards, and some sensible additions outside him, Gloucester look primed to push Sarries all the way on their quest for eight games undefeated.

Nick Rostron-Pike