By fbl
July 26 2004

fbl gives us his thoughts on the upcoming pre-season and 2004-05 Zurich Premiership campaigns for Saracens and he believes that the time is right for an improvement from the Men in Black. This close season, some people may say it has been like no other, but
all of us at Saracens are very optimistic about the new season.

We havn't signed 'has beens' who are past their best and have cost a
fortune, we have signed up and coming fringe intenationals such as
Hugh Vyvyan, Dan Scarbrough and Alex Sanderson to name but a few.

All in all, Saracens have signed 13 new recruits in this close season,
all of whom the coaching team of Rod kafer, Steve Diamond and Mike Ford
had carefully hand-picked. Not like in previous seasons, such as last
season, where Kafer inherited a squad.

Also the kicking issue has been resolved with the signing of Bay of
Plenty and Waikato Chiefs Fly half-Glen Jackson. Glen will bring a wealth of
experience to this very exciting, new Saracens squad.

Kafer has not yet finalised his squad either, with the imminent
arrival of Dan Harris, Pila Fifita (a 16 stone 7lbs monster of a winger) and
another Pacific Islander three quarter.

Saracens' first game is at Twickenham against an all-conquering Wasps
side, but I believe this is Saracens' best chance of beating the ZP holders
in a very long time. Wouldn't you just love it to beat the Pests at Twickers,
eh?

I,for one,am very excited about this new season and am confident
Saracens can gain Heineken Cup qualification, which is a must!

Saracens also have a busy pre-season programme with the International
Compass Sevens (6-7 August at The Stoop), The Middlesex Sevens (14 August, Twickenham), a match v Harlequins at Vicarage Road (Friday 27 August), a match away against Bedford (Saturday 28 August) and a Pre seaon tour match against
the Golden Lions in South Africa. Kafer must be looking to win all five of
these pre-season fixtures in a warm up to the 'Big One' against Wasps at
Twickers!