Saracens
SHOWDOWN PREVIEW: please post all match related comment here
By The Saracens
March 20 2024
After a break of 7 weeks, Club rugby is back. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium awaits along with over 55,000 fans (well assuming the trains are running). It feels almost like the start of the season again! Only it isn’t. With just 6 games left we will need to be at full throttle on Saturday, no time for a gentle warm-up!
Already we have reached the “sharp-end”. Every remaining game counts in this competitive season. Just to recap, Sarries are currently clinging on to 4th place with 36 points, but just a single point behind Quins and Bath on 37. Snapping at our rugby shorts are Exeter Chiefs, just a point away on 35 with Leicester, Sale and Bristol all within striking distance. Only leaders Northampton Saints have any clear water on 44. Basically we need to win on Saturday and we need to keep winning. Coming up will be a big tester at Franklins Gardens the following Friday, we are then home to Gloucester (must win), away to Bath and Bristol Bears and then home to Sale in the final fixture. So in short, 3 of our next 4 games are against the 3 sides immediately above us in the table.
Sarries haven’t lost to Quins at home for 12 years. I hate stats like this – the run has to end some time……….. However Sarries finished up before the international break with a really positive win over Exeter while Quins have had to ruminate on a home loss to Leicester Tigers for the past 2 months. Sarries produced one of the best performances of the season in beating Quins at The Stoop – Quins will be looking for revenge.
On the positive side, one would hope the break has allowed some of our injured players to regain their fitness (with the notable exception of Loz of course) and for the first time in years, Faz has had a mid-season break and with a huge weight off his shoulders now his future is out in the open, I expect him to be back to the Faz we know and love. He will want to end his time at Sarries with a Twickenham swansong.
Internationals from both sides will be back with their clubs. For Sarries, Itoje and Earl both played every minute of the 6 nations for England while Jamie George has carried the burden of captaincy. Elliot Daly should still have plenty of fuel in the tank and Theo Dan has been relatively lightly used. Andy Christie has been a revelation in a Scotland shirt (well to anyone who hadn’t seen him at StoneX) and Nick Tompkins has been shouldering the woes of Wales on his back (although he had a well-deserved week off against France and only half a game against Italy).
Quins’ internationals have been used a bit more lightly with Marcus Smith only available for the last 2 games (in both cases as a sub) and Danny Care, Joe Marler & Alex Dombrandt usually starting from the bench. The promising Chandler Cunningham-South appears to be ruled out with injury. Lewis Lynagh, the new-found Italian, will also return. After the World Cup, Sarries brought their internationals back into the squad almost straight away while Quins chose to give theirs a week or so off: what will happen this time?
With regard to injuries and illness, it’s a while since we have had an update. Is Marco now fit? Mawi is undoubtedly back. Nick isiekwe is hopefully restored to health as he has been featured in some promos for the game.
So for once Mark McCall should have a selection headache of the right kind. Earl, Itoje & Christie have been in such scintillating form for their countries it’s tempting to play them but with other big games, both domestically and in Europe coming up soon, is that the right call? I’m glad it’s McCall’s call and not mine!
Whatever happens, whatever the result, it’s good to be back.
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StumbleuponSHOWDOWN PREVIEW: please post all match related comment here
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 20/03/2024 20:59
TheSaracens.com
20/03/2024 20:59
20/03/2024 20:59
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:02:17:51:15 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:02:17:51:15 by Darraghgirl.
It's good to be able to say 'In Mark McCall we trust'
PS Do you think they could put him in charge of the railways for Saturday too?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:20:22:14:31 by nicsue.
PS Do you think they could put him in charge of the railways for Saturday too?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:20:22:14:31 by nicsue.
It worries me that we usually get caught cold by Quins at the start of matches, so after 7 weeks off it is a real risk
Saracens Men team to play Harlequins:
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Ivan van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Alex Lewington
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 Jamie George
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Nick Isiekwe
20 Tom Willis
21 Andy Christie
22 Gareth Simpson
23 Alex Goode
1 Mako Vunipola
2 Theo Dan
3 Christian Judge
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Ben Earl
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Ivan van Zyl
10 Owen Farrell (c)
11 Alex Lewington
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Lucio Cinti
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 Jamie George
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Nick Isiekwe
20 Tom Willis
21 Andy Christie
22 Gareth Simpson
23 Alex Goode
Great to see Willis and Riccioni back on the team sheet. Jamie being given a bit of a rest off the bench and Maro rested completely.
Quins Starting XV:
1. Joe Marler (276)
2. Jack Walker (55)
3. Will Collier (234)
4. Joe Launchbury (17)
5. George Hammond (57)
6. Stephan Lewies (61 - Captain)
7. Will Evans (81)
8. Alex Dombrandt (130)
9. Danny Care (368)
10. Marcus Smith (151)
11. Cadan Murley (106)
12. Andre Esterhuizen (82)
13. Oscar Beard (46)
14. Louis Lynagh (58)
15. Tyrone Green (67)
Impact Players:
16. Sam Riley (45)
17. Fin Baxter (42)
18. Dillon Lewis (12)
19. Irne Herbst (38)
20. Will Trenholm (9)
21. Max Green (6)
22. Luke Northmore (61)
23. Nick David (48)
1. Joe Marler (276)
2. Jack Walker (55)
3. Will Collier (234)
4. Joe Launchbury (17)
5. George Hammond (57)
6. Stephan Lewies (61 - Captain)
7. Will Evans (81)
8. Alex Dombrandt (130)
9. Danny Care (368)
10. Marcus Smith (151)
11. Cadan Murley (106)
12. Andre Esterhuizen (82)
13. Oscar Beard (46)
14. Louis Lynagh (58)
15. Tyrone Green (67)
Impact Players:
16. Sam Riley (45)
17. Fin Baxter (42)
18. Dillon Lewis (12)
19. Irne Herbst (38)
20. Will Trenholm (9)
21. Max Green (6)
22. Luke Northmore (61)
23. Nick David (48)
Excellent to have the team back, especially our injured returnees; Mawi, Riccioni, T Willis and Segun.
Really like the backs and given Quins speed I think the back three looks a good choice. Parton available?
Thats a heck of a bench. Hopefully we're still in touch once they are brought on.
Have to be honest that starting front row worries me against Quins. Quins XV looks fully loaded.
Fascinated to see what the plan is, we're going to need a great one.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:22:12:20:52 by OldMarovian.
Really like the backs and given Quins speed I think the back three looks a good choice. Parton available?
Thats a heck of a bench. Hopefully we're still in touch once they are brought on.
Have to be honest that starting front row worries me against Quins. Quins XV looks fully loaded.
Fascinated to see what the plan is, we're going to need a great one.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:22:12:20:52 by OldMarovian.
Quote:TV
Interesting 6:2 split on the bench - may be Earl reverts to 12 if necessary
Don't be naughty, encouraging Stuart Barnes like that.
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Quote:Sarriebone
Club have announced over 60 000 tickets now sold
Great effort. 62,850 max. Can they sell it out?
Hopefully travel and weather are both compliant.
Nick Tompkins has drawn the short straw! Esterhuizen š
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
It's a long time since Sports network paid anything!
Referee: Christophe Ridley (73rd Premiership game)
ARs: Joe James & Simon Harding
TMO: Stuart Terheege
ARs: Joe James & Simon Harding
TMO: Stuart Terheege
Two evenly matched 15s, looks like we might have the edge on the bench. Wouldāve started Eroni over Mako and Marco hasnāt played for months. Considering we had shored up our scrum prior to international break, I too am a bit worried about the front row, we donāt want to be conceding loads of scrum pens. Pleased Daly at FB, wouldāve liked to have seen Hartley on bench but think he has missed out due to 6/2 split. Would imagine Andy will come on for Billy. Cannot give them a fast start!
Pretty sure Tom Willis will come on for Billy unless we're trying a big 6?
Daly back at 15, Roti on the wing, Marco & Willis back and an extremely strong bench, very happy with this!
Looking at both teams that is not far of international class. Likely to be a tight game, but with the strength of our bench-final quarter should be interesting
I really hope that bench comes on well before the final quarter! Like half time.
Christie to replace Earl? Willis to replace Billy?
Tomkins going the 80!?
Tomkins going the 80!?
Well the weekend has started with two good results in terms of closing up the table.
We definitely need the win over Quins but then wins for Sale and Falcons would be ace
We definitely need the win over Quins but then wins for Sale and Falcons would be ace
No back-chat, no cards, leadership from Farrell and a great team performance. Good luck lads!
Should be a good game with two strong sides and an excellent crowd there to watch. Looking forward to it immensely. My main nervousness is how rusty both teams might be at the start and what that might mean as teamsā pounce on skill errors.
Fantastic first half with some staggering off loading! More of the same in the second half please!
What a statement from Sarries today giving Quinnās a real pasting! Scoring tries for fun!
Great performance from the whole squad,. Really combative up front, knocking Quins back in the tackle and some great passing/off loading across the backs. Was almost a bit one sided to be a classic but given the Quins starting XV that was a very impressive result. I thought Daly at full back played superbly and deserved MoM but Lewington was also a handful on the wing.
Up to 2nd where we will stay unless Bath get 5 points tomorrow and if we play like that a very good chance of going top next weekend at Northampton. Looking good for the top 4 now.
Up to 2nd where we will stay unless Bath get 5 points tomorrow and if we play like that a very good chance of going top next weekend at Northampton. Looking good for the top 4 now.
Fair play Mr Daly. Literally the best I have ever seen him play. Fantastic.
Incredible team performance, such intensity, such variety and such ambition.
Oh me of little faith too (when will I learn?) I was so worried about that starting pack v Quins at scrum time. I hadn't even considered that we would simply avoid scrummaging until we had the TBP!! Genius
Next week at Saints could be a cracker. Enjoy the rest lads, you've earned it.
Incredible team performance, such intensity, such variety and such ambition.
Oh me of little faith too (when will I learn?) I was so worried about that starting pack v Quins at scrum time. I hadn't even considered that we would simply avoid scrummaging until we had the TBP!! Genius
Next week at Saints could be a cracker. Enjoy the rest lads, you've earned it.
Do we know why Rotumi dropped out so late?
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
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Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
š»š»š»
Who saw that coming? I thought weād win but maybe by a score. Amazing game but I really didnt think Quins showed up or tried at all, poor show from them I hope we donāt think we can do that to Saints next week but it must give us great impetus and belief to them and Europe. Will be hard for Quins to come back from that could end their season if they cant use it properly
Cheap shot on OF, telegraph reports
The Television Match Official in Saracensā win over Harlequins appeared to be caught on a hot mic saying he would not review an incident because it would look like he was only doing so after it was highlighted by TNT Sports pundit Austin Healey.
The Television Match Official in Saracensā win over Harlequins appeared to be caught on a hot mic saying he would not review an incident because it would look like he was only doing so after it was highlighted by TNT Sports pundit Austin Healey.
Maynas for me they did show up and play but were just met with a team that comprehensively had their number.
I do also genuinely feel that this Sarries team is in Quins head a bit.
I remember a comment from Care saying that the year Sarries were relegated was the one to win the Prem. It felt a bit like an acknowledgement that he/they wouldn't expect to with Sarries playing. Tbf, SC at the time a factor but little seems to have changed.
I thought a huge sign of Sarries control is at times I forgot Esterhuizen was even playing for them. When he got the ball he met the Sarries wall!!
I do also genuinely feel that this Sarries team is in Quins head a bit.
I remember a comment from Care saying that the year Sarries were relegated was the one to win the Prem. It felt a bit like an acknowledgement that he/they wouldn't expect to with Sarries playing. Tbf, SC at the time a factor but little seems to have changed.
I thought a huge sign of Sarries control is at times I forgot Esterhuizen was even playing for them. When he got the ball he met the Sarries wall!!
I honestly canāt remember a match when Esterhuizen has been a factor against us. Could be wrong but we seems to always shut his threat down very well.
Very impressive performance yesterday.
Several of your players had their best games for Saracens in a long time - Faz, Daly & Billy. Then Dan & Earl put in their usual šÆ. Plus two amazing š¦š· signings!!
Congratulations to your coaches on reintegrating the returning Internationals so seamlessly!
Danny Wilsonās (Quins head coach) comments are interesting
"If you're off [the pace] in this league you will be in trouble.
We were more than slightly off today and we were in trouble."
So not sure if Saracens have the hoodoo over Quins, you raised your game because of Fazās 250th or Quins were off?
Several of your players had their best games for Saracens in a long time - Faz, Daly & Billy. Then Dan & Earl put in their usual šÆ. Plus two amazing š¦š· signings!!
Congratulations to your coaches on reintegrating the returning Internationals so seamlessly!
Danny Wilsonās (Quins head coach) comments are interesting
"If you're off [the pace] in this league you will be in trouble.
We were more than slightly off today and we were in trouble."
So not sure if Saracens have the hoodoo over Quins, you raised your game because of Fazās 250th or Quins were off?
We currently have the hoodoo over them- they were āoffā against us earlier in the season too, which until yesterday was our best performance of the season. Both times are one of the few occasions where our scrum has held up and weāve really come out all guns blazing in defence. I think the guys love the derby and raise their game for it.
Yeah, I think it's now 8 mens wins in a row? Which for a side as good as Quins must be concerning. It's true that their system does seem perfectly designed to be frustrated by the way we play but when they execute properly they're unstoppable. Yesterday in the first half in particular the shape was abysmal, by the second half it had got a lot better but the timing was nowhere (see the forward passes, dropped balls etc.) you feel like our Bayonne away game that there has to be a reaction, glad I'm not Bath next week...
So the top 2 both conceded 50! Must be the first time thatās happened.
Very pleased to see Billy and Mako both back on it, I felt they were struggling to justify their place in the starting 15 but were part of the relentless Wolfpack defence that simply never stopped hunting Quins down.
Astonished how poor Quins were. Was expecting their back 3 to cause all manner of problems but they were anonymous.
Daly probably had the best game Iāve seen him play
Very pleased to see Billy and Mako both back on it, I felt they were struggling to justify their place in the starting 15 but were part of the relentless Wolfpack defence that simply never stopped hunting Quins down.
Astonished how poor Quins were. Was expecting their back 3 to cause all manner of problems but they were anonymous.
Daly probably had the best game Iāve seen him play
That was very fun.
Quins were dreadful, but we did thump them in the contact area and really really went after their breakdown - NT and Cinti in particular throwing themselves in at every opportunity.
Lovely stuff. More!
Quins were dreadful, but we did thump them in the contact area and really really went after their breakdown - NT and Cinti in particular throwing themselves in at every opportunity.
Lovely stuff. More!
They were dreadful because we forced them to be. It's happened before and it's odd that Quins have that fragility when they can play so well against other sides.
When we are slaughtered by Saints on Friday and Quins drench Bath on Saturday, we'll be behind them in the table again.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
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When we are slaughtered by Saints on Friday and Quins drench Bath on Saturday, we'll be behind them in the table again.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
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Down to third thanks to the Bath result, but Sale are probably out of contention now.
Weāre going to have to win on the road at least once for top 4 and probably twice for top 2.
For the very little it means I believe at this point we have scored the most points and conceded the least.
This weekend was fantastic. To back it up against a Saints team that have been the form side most of the season would lay down a serious marker.
For me that performance was much more about shutting Quins down than them not turning up. Can we do the same to Saints??
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:25:07:39:52 by OldMarovian.
This weekend was fantastic. To back it up against a Saints team that have been the form side most of the season would lay down a serious marker.
For me that performance was much more about shutting Quins down than them not turning up. Can we do the same to Saints??
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:25:07:39:52 by OldMarovian.
Donāt forget Saints shipped 50 points at Bristol. Iām optimistic.
Supporting Saracens for over 55 years.
Supporting Saracens for over 55 years.
Quote:Bram1ey_Road
Donāt forget Saints shipped 50 points at Bristol. Iām optimistic.
A rotated side. Saints felt they could risk losing one game and get ready for us and then Europe.
When we beat them on Friday, they could be looking in the chasm. Or perhaps not.
My bet is they will be in the final.
Like AP I think Saints could well be there in the final.
In terms of the Bristol game they rested pretty much all their EQP International backs. No Dingwall, Freeman, Furbank or Mitchell. The later I believe is injured and may not play but the others will make a huge difference. What is interesting is it was the performance (and relative lack of) of the packs that set the tone for the game and whilst they will likely rotate a bit, Augustus to start surely? and probably bring Pearson in to the 23 I am not sure how much they can change it? Lawes got himself on the wrong side of the referee and Ludlam looked poor but I don't think we can rely on either if those being the case again.
I think the team we will face will be different in composition and intent and if we expect them to roll over like last week I suspect we will get a nasty shock.
I'm sure we won't be so complacent though.
Also not sure what team we will send as we have to rest some of our English Internationals soon.
I guess the plan might be go full out the next two weeks? If we lose to Bordeaux there will be a week of for all anyway? Maybe rest Maro and Earl this Friday?
Who'd be a coach!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:26:06:53:19 by OldMarovian.
In terms of the Bristol game they rested pretty much all their EQP International backs. No Dingwall, Freeman, Furbank or Mitchell. The later I believe is injured and may not play but the others will make a huge difference. What is interesting is it was the performance (and relative lack of) of the packs that set the tone for the game and whilst they will likely rotate a bit, Augustus to start surely? and probably bring Pearson in to the 23 I am not sure how much they can change it? Lawes got himself on the wrong side of the referee and Ludlam looked poor but I don't think we can rely on either if those being the case again.
I think the team we will face will be different in composition and intent and if we expect them to roll over like last week I suspect we will get a nasty shock.
I'm sure we won't be so complacent though.
Also not sure what team we will send as we have to rest some of our English Internationals soon.
I guess the plan might be go full out the next two weeks? If we lose to Bordeaux there will be a week of for all anyway? Maybe rest Maro and Earl this Friday?
Who'd be a coach!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:03:26:06:53:19 by OldMarovian.
Northampton injury news
[www.northamptonchron.co.uk]
Think they need Mitchell or James back at scrum half. McParland got a baptism of fire at Bristol and was not protected well by his back row. As OM says Ludlam strangely off! But if Pearson is not fit enough they could always bring in Scott-Young.
Freeman at FB?
[www.northamptonchron.co.uk]
Think they need Mitchell or James back at scrum half. McParland got a baptism of fire at Bristol and was not protected well by his back row. As OM says Ludlam strangely off! But if Pearson is not fit enough they could always bring in Scott-Young.
Freeman at FB?
Thanks for the information although it sounds as likely that most of the important players will be available as none. No idea if we picked up any injuries?
The week after we hammered Quins away we played Saints at home and lost after a desperately flat performance. The week after we had an incredibly tough āEuropeanā away game and came up a long way short. Wonder what our next two fixtures areā¦ā¦
The good news is in the post match comments McCall already addressed that Saints would be a very different prospect than the Quins game. I'm hoping that means only "mountainous" performances from now 
I've no idea how they motivate the players in camp but treating Quins, Saints and Bordeaux as a mini QF, SF and Final wouldn't have been the worst of approaches. A series of must wins cumulating in a game were a loss means we're out of the competition.
I've no idea how they motivate the players in camp but treating Quins, Saints and Bordeaux as a mini QF, SF and Final wouldn't have been the worst of approaches. A series of must wins cumulating in a game were a loss means we're out of the competition.
The Showdown records #GallagherPremās highest ever average TV audience of 913,000, across TNT Sports and ITV.
That's a cracking result SB.
It also probably says a lot about the reach of terrestrial TV and the value of making sure that some quality games are shown on it (as they have agreed with the new TNT deal)
It also probably says a lot about the reach of terrestrial TV and the value of making sure that some quality games are shown on it (as they have agreed with the new TNT deal)
Tabai Matson to leave Quins at the end of the season and to only help the Women's team till then.
Quins revolting?? I believe Gussie thought player egos was a significant issue at Quins.
Quins revolting?? I believe Gussie thought player egos was a significant issue at Quins.
Given that they were second in the league on Saturday lunchtime thatās a pretty severe reaction!
He's Performance Director, not the Head Coach, so not sure that it's fall out as opposed to a planned resignation.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
š»š»š»
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
š»š»š»
TWITTER LINK TO PREM RUGBY STORY
Almost 1 million watched the game on TV. A record for the Prem.
Let's hope many of them enjoyed it and had their interest piqued
Almost 1 million watched the game on TV. A record for the Prem.
Let's hope many of them enjoyed it and had their interest piqued
Itās taken a while but the Prem seem to have learned that they need to piggy back on the interest from the six nations. Helps that England have started to play again too.
Quote:TommyKentish
Itās taken a while but the Prem seem to have learned that they need to piggy back on the interest from the six nations. Helps that England have started to play again too.
Yep and this is being done by having a club match on TV directly after the 6 Nations, which has the visual scale to look exciting for the uninitiated.
I think most of us who are regulars at Stonex prefer that scale compared to a large Stadium with it's ease of access and leaving and general comfort of the ground. I hope that TV viewers who are tempted to come enjoy it as well and don't feel that it's a bit small and parochial compared to the TV "events" they are used to from the 6N's and Premier League Football.
We all know it's better but it takes some getting used to. It's a personal opinion based on newcomers I've introduced and I know not universally shared but I believe the razzamataz the club put on at Stonex also helps draw in new visitors and overcomes any perceived lack of scale
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