Saracens
Saracens v Stade Toulousain Champions Cup Preview
Last time these 2 met
By saracensfan62
January 6 2026
I feel I am not alone in saying that I am very nervous yet very excited for this weekend. What a game it could be. French Giants Toulouse visiting us at StoneX on Sunday. From where we were 20 or even 15 years ago, this really is a special occasion. I think there has been a lot of negativity recently with how the team have been playing and operations around the club, and I confess I have been negative in my attitude having watched some of the less good performances. We’ve been consistently inconsistent with a real mixed bag of results, from thumping wins over Clermont, Sale and Bristol and then disappointing losses to Bath, Northampton and Exeter. Recent losses have raised a lot of questions about the attitude in the squad and cohesion under the coaching team. Toulouse, on the other hand, have had a fabulous last few years, winning 5 out of the last 6 Top14's and numerous champions cup titles. Nonetheless, we sit level on points with Toulouse in the table, with 1 win and 1 loss from our first two games. Admittedly Toulouse have faced Sharks and enjoyed a dominant 56-19 win at the Stade Ernest Wallon, and Glasgow at the Scotstoun, which they lost. We have faced Clermont and Sharks (lets face it, Clermont are nowhere near the team they used to be) in south Africa. Barring some rubbish decision making by us late on (why did we go for a lineout when it was tipping down with rain?), we really should’ve won that game. This game really could be crucial in determining the final places in the pool. As a reminder, the top 2 in the pool get a home RO16, the middle 2 get an away RO16, 5th place gets a berth in the challenge and 6th place is eliminated. Whilst an away trip to France could be fun, I would sooner see us get a home knockout match. Makes all the difference with the home crowd behind you!
Key Matchups
Owen Farrell vs Romain Ntamack (Battle of the 10s) – I think McCall and co were resting Farrell for the Leicester game so he could come into the Toulouse game all guns blazing. Farrell’s tactical kicking and game control will be vital against Ntamack and the blistering pace that the Toulouse backs will bring, plus Ntamack’s almost always perfect decision-making, and ability to change momentum. Dupont’s return to full fitness adds an extra layer for Saracens to contain, since he can switch inbetween the 9 and 10 roles too.
Rhys Carre, Jamie George and Marco Riccioni vs Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand and Dorian Aldhegri - accuracy in the tight five will be crucial, but not more so than in the front row. Toulouse have a formidable front row, all French internationals and some of the best scrummagers out there. Some would say the pack is anchored by Julien Marchand/Peoto Mauvaka at hooker, and is traditionally dominant at the set-piece. We will need our lineout operators to be on form and disrupt as much as they can. If Toulouse can settle into a rhythm provided by their forwards, we really do not stand much of a chance.
Battle of the Willis Bros – firstly before I come to the Willis brothers, Anthony Jelonch, Francois Cros and Jack Willis against Juan Martin-Gonzalez, Ben Earl and Tom Willis will be a phenomenal matchup. Toulouse have such depth they can bring on more international level backrowers and will offer physicality and breakdown aggression throughout the entire game. Now onto Jack vs Tom. Both are absolute horrors to try and tackle, both of them are superb around the breakdown and both bring so much energy and fight to the packs. It is almost impossible to call it. If only we could get to see this kind of matchup every weekend!
Back 3 Matchup – It will be fascinating to see the back 3 of Toulouse (Kinghorn, Teddy Thomas and Ramos) up against our back 3 (I’m guessing Caluori, Segun and Daly). I am expecting us to play Caluori to challenge and/or nullify the aerial threat of Kinghorn and keep Ramos on his toes when placing contestable kicks due to the threat he brings aerially and ball in hand. After watching the last few games, Noah will likely get the nod ahead of Malins.
Sarries’ Game Plan and Tactical Outlook
- Structured Phases from the Forwards: I will expect us to use close-up ball to build pressure and recycle quickly through the rucks. Brings up the question – who do we start at scrum-half? Its fair to say Ivan vZ has not been at his best so far this season, and if we wish to cement Bracken as the future 9 with the incoming Tomos Williams guiding him, do we gamble and start him against Dupont? I am not going to offer my own opinion here, feel free to discuss this in the comments.
- Territory & Tactical Kicking: Saracens will look to control field position using Farrell’s and Daly’s boot and force Toulouse to play from deep. Toulouse won’t be unhappy about this, what with back 3 who can create something from nothing, but at the same time if we can pin Toulouse back in their half, there’s the possibility of breakdown penalties and notching 3 points to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
- Slow the Ball at the Breakdown: To prevent Toulouse’s dynamic backs from getting ball in space. Nothing more to be said about this, we will need to do our best to stop the attacks coming in from all angles out wide, and channel them so that they either have to go through our forwards (no easy task).
Toulouse’s Game Plan and Tactical Outlook
- Physical Front Five: Toulouse’s scrum and maul strength will be key — they will look to impose themselves very early in tight areas and build into the game. I am concerned about Flament and Meafou against our locks. Both are superb aerial operators
- High-Tempo Backline Play: With Ntamack and Dupont, Toulouse can stretch defences wide once position is gained and break the line almost effortlessly. Dupont in particular is phenomenal at this.
- Clean Ball From Set Piece: Efficient lineouts and scrums will give Toulouse strong attacking platforms. Sarries will attempt to disrupt this, but if unsuccessful, could leave weaknesses to be exploited.
Just compiled a few other factors which might impact the game:
- Weather & Pitch (StoneX) — A slick surface might favour quick ball and tactical kicking — good news for fly-half operators. However the weather forecast for Sunday is a chilly 5 degrees and sleet. Not ideal for handling and fast, attacking rugby!
- Travel – it is always said French teams do not travel well (maybe apart from Castres this time last season!) so we will have to see what the effects of the plane has on Toulouse.
- Bench Impact — Depth could decide the late stages; Toulouse’s rotation during big games has paid dividends and allows for key players to enter games refreshed and raring to go!
Selection and Talking Points
I haven’t had a go at predicting the lineups recently, so thought I’d try my luck again now.
My predicted Sarries lineup is:
15 – Elliot Daly
14 – Noah Caluori
13 – Lucio Cinti
12 – Nick Tompkins
11 – Rotimi Segun
10 – Owen Farrell (c)
9 – Ivan van Zyl
8 – Tom Willis
7 – Ben Earl
6 – Juan Martin-Gonzalez
5 – Hugh Tizard
4 – Maro Itoje
3 – Marco Riccioni
2 – Jamie George
1 – Rhys Carre
16 – Theo Dan
17 – Eroni Mawi
18 – Marcus Street
19 – Harry Wilson
20 – Andy Onyeama-Christie
21 – Charlie Bracken
22 – Fergus Burke
23 – Max Malins
And my predicted Toulouse lineup is:
15 – Thomas Ramos
14 – Teddie Thomas
13 – Mathis Lebel
12 – Pita Akhi
11 – Blair Kinghorn
10 – Romain Ntamack
9 – Antoine Dupont
1 – Rodrigue Neti
2 – Julien Marchand
3 – Dorian Aldegheri
4 – Emmanuel Meafou
5 – Thibaud Flament
6 – Francois Cros
7 – Jack Willis
8 – Alexandre Roumat
16 – Peoto Mauvaka
17 – Cyril Baille
18 – George Henris-Colombe
19 – Leo Banos
20 - Anthony Jelonch
21 – Paul Graou
22 – Juan Cruz-Mallia
23 – Paul Costes
A couple of notable omissions for our team include Nick Isiekwe and Alex Lozowski. Lozo is just coming back from injury, highly doubt he’d be risked against a fully-loaded Toulouse side, especially when he had a below-average game vs Leicester. As for Nick, Harry Wilson brings a significant amount of physicality and scrum ballast and can offer more up-front. Having Wilson the bench offers the threat of even more physicality. I like the idea of our own bomb squad of Mawi, Dan and Street to stabilise the scrum should things not be going to plan. As for Toulouse, I expect Kinghorn will move to the wing to counter the threat of Caluori and a centre combo of Lebel/Ahki could cause all kinds of problems if we don't shut them down on the ball.
For the future, the question concerning the halfbacks and midfield does need to be asked. It seems we have been playing significantly better with Burke @10, Faz moving to 12 to act as a 2nd distributor and carry the ball to the line, and Tompkins 13 operating in wider channels. What is frustrating is when we see Nick at 12 and used as a crashball runner, when he thrives best with room to work around his opponents and use his footwork to evade defenders. I wonder if Olly Hartley can fill the Barritt-esque hole left at 12. That perhaps is a question for future matches.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
This one could be close. Typically Sarries do turn up for big games like this one (its part of the wolfpack DNA) but I will take the realist view. Albeit a negative prediction, I’m going to say Toulouse by 4. I reckon it’ll be a close match, and if we can strengthen that final 20 minute passage (our biggest weakness this season, conceding points late on), we could be in with a good shout.
All that’s left to say is good luck to the team, we’ll need it. As supporters, we need to generate a great atmosphere and ensure StoneX is absolutely rocking to support our boys in what will probably be the toughest game of recent seasons. Come on you Sarries!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:19:15:22:06 by Darraghgirl.
Richard Hill for PM.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:06:18:28:17 by tigersimon.
Cinti and Malins ought to be out of contention after Sunday. But I’m sure either Fergus or Lucio will start either side of Owen and Nick T.
i agree about cinti and malins
Quote:Darraghgirl
Although I'd love Sarries to win, for once I don't really care, I'm just looking forward to seeing Antoine Dupont in the flesh (and I mean as a rugby genius before anyone thinks anything else)
100% this. Toulouse are an incredible team and regardless of the result I think we'll see a display of quality rugby.
I said after the average Gloucester win that context is key. I’’ll be sticking the boot in if we get turned over by Newcastle in a couple of weeks, but losing badly this weekend to Toulouse…
In many ways if Toulouse thrash us it means they’ve turned up and we’re watching the best club side ever play well. I’ve been lucky enough to watch them live a number of times over the last few years and when on song they are a treat.
[youtu.be]
Quote:#wolfpack1
I really couldn’t care less about the result.
I said after the average Gloucester win that context is key. I’’ll be sticking the boot in if we get turned over by Newcastle in a couple of weeks, but losing badly this weekend to Toulouse…
In many ways if Toulouse thrash us it means they’ve turned up and we’re watching the best club side ever play well. I’ve been lucky enough to watch them live a number of times over the last few years and when on song they are a treat.
A bit of fight is what I want to see. Unfortunately our edge defence is so porous I think the score is going to very high.
But that Quins has really hurt him.
assisted by Ru Campbell (Sco) and Federico Vedovelli (Ita)
TMO Matteo Liperini (Ita)
per favore signore!
15 Elliot Daly
14 Noah Caluori
13 Alex Lozowski
12 Olly Hartley
11 Rotimi Segun
10 Fergus Burke
9 Ivan van Zyl
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Jamie George
3 Marcus Street
4 Maro Itoje (c)
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Theo McFarland
7 Juan Martin Gonzalez
8 Tom Willis
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Rhys Carre
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Andy Onyeama-Christie
20 Ben Earl
21 Charlie Bracken
22 Owen Farrell
23 Max Malins
Just hoping that Alex L has a good game as it is a tough first fixture!
Good luck Sarries, lay down a performance to be proud of.
Replacements: 16. Peato Mauvaka, 17. Benjamin Bertrand, 18. Paul Mallez, 19. Joshua Brennan, 20. Efrain Elias, 21. Leo Banos, 22. Paul Graou, 23. Lucas Vigneres
Potentially leaving C.Bracken on the bench was a reluctance to throw him in against Dupont, even though I am sure he would relish the challenge.
As others have said, feel for Wilson not even being in the 23.
Still makes me very cross that Sale Sharks are in our pool and we are up against them points wise but they will be facing at home a Sharks team that is definitely 2/3rd choice. The home/away format is deeply flawed. Our second home game is against 6 times champs Toulouse who are one of a handful of teams who send strong teams away.
Understand we cannot with smaller squads than other nations in the comp go full strength for every game however I would love to see home/away fixtures v the same side as it was before. Or at least give the English clubs the same home and away opponents.
Quote:Keffer K
Cinti the only one appearing to be dropped outright after last week? Isiekwe not in there either but did have the head knock, and with Itoje back may not have made the bench anyway with McFarland covering lock.
No Theo Dan or Tompkins either. Not aware if they are injured or dropped though
Hard to work out what changes are injury related and what are form calls.
I'm really glad to see Segun and Caluori on the wings although the later maybe points to a continuation of the kicking game uber alles. After three poor games in a row Daly pretty lucky to keep his spot. I'd have much preferred Malins moved there and then Daly comes on with Farrell/
I'm interested to see how that centre partnership goes. Hopefully its one that has trained together a fair bit.
I'm interested that we don't seem to try and "pair" our starting/bench props. Not sure if that's just the reality of players getting injured, having a niggle, etc or about building confidence in playing together as a collective.
McFarland at 6 again. Is that maybe a sign that he has signed on again. Certainly he's playing well and right now our Hookers seem to need all the help they can get hitting the mark.
Is Wilson injured. If not I think he should be on the bench over Onyeama-Christie. I appreciate McFarland can move to lock but we seem to have benefited significantly from Wilsons ballast there and like Hadfield he's show he's useful in open play too.
Quote:Keffer K
Cinti the only one appearing to be dropped outright after last week? Isiekwe not in there either but did have the head knock, and with Itoje back may not have made the bench anyway with McFarland covering lock.
Incorrect, Malins and Earl have also dropped to the bench.
As above I’d have gone with Wilson over AOC on the bench, particularly as we don’t know how strong Maro’s knee is yet.
Still cannot believe in a game with a huge atmosphere and positivity we haven't rode the young have at 9. Sums up the transition.
Richard Hill for PM.
I expect Saints v UBB will be a great game and I'm hopeful that we show commitment for the full 80.
Anything more would be a bonus.
Marco Riccioni has been ruled out.
Tietie Tuimauga comes on to the bench.
Good luck and make the most of home advantage!
~ You never knowingly let the facts get in the way of the story. ~
Quote:Keffer K
Dallaglio just called Caluori “Califori”, for the benefit of those at the game.
Not to mention Rhys Car several times!
What an absolutely phenomenal result!!!
A performance full of fight, grit, hunger and effort.
Magnificent.
Well done boys!
Willis is going to be such loss next season
Massive credit to Marcus Street for going 80 and winning scrum pens in the last minute
Quote:SarrieboneQuote:Keffer K
Dallaglio just called Caluori “Califori”, for the benefit of those at the game.
Not to mention Rhys Car several times!
and Tizzard being called Hugh Vyvyan!
Quote:Nosher1979Quote:SarrieboneQuote:Keffer K
Dallaglio just called Caluori “Califori”, for the benefit of those at the game.
Not to mention Rhys Car several times!
and Tizzard being called Hugh Vyvyan!
I could have sworn I heard that twice but it was so mad I figured I must have been having some sort of episode.
Also, well played Hugh Tizard who had his best game for the club tonight against two enormous locks.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:11:19:59:34 by #wolfpack1.
Bracken and Farrell brilliant from the bench
Also bringing Owen on with 25 minutes to go is the perfect use of his game control and experience. I thought our whole pack really dogged it out for 80 minutes and most of the backs earned significant credit - I thought Loz looked a bit off the pace but that is probably not surprising given his long absence and well done Roti for a little bit of magic.
Feeling so warm inside and it will last all week. If we can edge a win of any sort next week we will finish 2nd above Toulouse , Sale and Sharks- I am discounting the possibility of a Sale win. I haven’t looked at the points difference but in theory we could edge past Glasgow if we get 5 points and they get 0 but I think that is highly unlikely!
The attacking ambition in very poor conditions for the first 50 was superb. McFarland was great yet again and his charge-down was a turning point for me.
Quote:+1 Street in particular you feel his staying on was vital given the potential drop-off in quality.#wolfpack1
Massive shout out to Jamie G and Marcus Street - going 80 mins against Toulouse and having them at the end in the scrum
As alluded to in the pre-match chat emotion is brilliant but can only take you so far so it will be good to see the team back that performance up next week and for the rest of the season too.
Quote:ComeOnSarries
I would also like to give a shout out to Maro and Theo in the line out as I thought we edged the lineout against a very tall Toulouse pack.
Also bringing Owen on with 25 minutes to go is the perfect use of his game control and experience. I thought our whole pack really dogged it out for 80 minutes and most of the backs earned significant credit - I thought Loz looked a bit off the pace but that is probably not surprising given his long absence and well done Roti for a little bit of magic.
Feeling so warm inside and it will last all week. If we can edge a win of any sort next week we will finish 2nd above Toulouse , Sale and Sharks- I am discounting the possibility of a Sale win. I haven’t looked at the points difference but in theory we could edge past Glasgow if we get 5 points and they get 0 but I think that is highly unlikely!
2 losing bonus points would be enough for 2nd place I believe if it’s down to head to head? (presuming Sale don’t also get 2)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:11:20:19:22 by MarkCol7.
Brilliant and well done to the team and MM really stepped up.
We won’t be able to repeat that massive emotional performance every week but if we can bottle some of that every week then hopefully we can start to be a bit more consistent. Glasgow will be bloody hard to beat but I’m not caring about that tonight, that was one of my favourite performances for years.
Now just needs to translate this to next week as Glasgow do look useful.
Willis, Itoje, Tizzard, Jamie were fanrastic as they can be. However, I was blown away by how confident Roti, Noah and Charlie were in such exalted company on that pitch. They really backed themselves to be gamechangers. I wss over thd moon for Roti getting two.
Noah was in my list fot MOTM for his tackling alone. He had his wing covered in defence - if uouve got that pace and confidence, you dont need to be a lump.
How on earth can the Willis brothers both be so good?
Set piece fantastic, as was the maul defence against a monster pack.
Quote:nedrichards
TK: I'm stressed enough about when we lose to Quins, let alone the reincarnation of Simon Shaw getting three tries from 5m lineouts we fail to defend appropriately. Please. Fantasy wasps and London Irish are a thing I can't deal with.
lol my apologies to your blood pressure!
Last Sunday I was at that abject surrender in Leicester and forced to share the bus home with polite but trying-not-to-gloat Tigers supporters. Oh well, at least the ale in The Blue Boar was excellent as always.
Saturday we travelled down from our new home on the Leics/Northants border, got fairly pished with old friends in Snorbens, and expected to witness an absolute hammering at the hands of Toulouse's galacticos.
Best bit of the day was Faz' solo, fist-pumping lap of the pitch at the end. "That's more like it" was the message. And it was: much more like it.
We now travel to Glasgow in both hope and expectation. Might see you in The Pot Still or the Oran Mor if you're going.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:01:12:00:18:11 by Sarsen.
Still need to watch the replay on a screen, but my impression was that Alex L return really helped the wingers outside him - particularly Noah, who had a solid defensive shift. We have missed him more than we realise in my opinion.
Quote:I watch Top14 every week and DuPont has been back in their 23/15 for two weeks and has been up to his usual tricks. I think the weather proved a leveller. Delighted to see the impact Charlie B made for us at 9.The Bard
Sensational performance. The weather was a leveller, DuPont still short of match fitness I’d say but to get on top after going behind and with a ref who seemed in awe of them was quite something.
How on earth can the Willis brothers both be so good?
Set piece fantastic, as was the maul defence against a monster pack.
Supporting Saracens for over 55 years.
Quote:Agree but you play the hand dealt and thankfully the team did a better job at that than Toulouse.Supporting Saracens for over 55 years.
I think the weather proved a leveller
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