By Rupert Thacker
October 21 2005

For those who don’t know yet (where have you been for the past few months?), Heineken Cup rugby returns to Vicarage Road on Sunday after an absence of 4 seasons with the visit of Biarritz Olympique in this Pool 4 opener. To understand the enormity of this game, you have to go back to Saturday, 4th December, 2004. You see, in my view, that was the day Saracens hit rock bottom – that, dear reader, was the day of the away game in Parma. For those who weren’t there, it had to be seen to be believed. Monsoon conditions, a home team who were up for it, an away team who weren’t, the most bizarre refereeing display I’ve ever seen and just a complete shambles of a performance. From there, to mis-quote Yazz and her Plastic Population, the only way was up, baby.

And up we went – the departure of Rod Kafer, the arrival of Dimes and the ushering in of a new era at Saracens; a first win at Kingsholm, a sequence of losing only 4 out of 18 games after the Parma away game, a win against the Tigers that would never have happened a year before, a successful play-off at Twickenham and little use being made of the departures/arrivals revolving door during the summer. All of those in some way have contributed to the journey which leads us to Sunday.

So Sunday is the first step on another road – the road which positions Saracens as one of the successful clubs in European rugby. What a great opportunity this is. And we couldn’t have picked a tougher game first up to make a statement; Biarritz Olympique, home to a host of stars and currently sitting 3rd in the French Top 14.

Although Serge Betsen is injured, their side still reads pretty well – the back row containing Harinordoquy and Livremont will hassle Glen Jackson all afternoon long, Yachvili will be his usual darting self, whilst the backs contain such talented runners as Traille (who also has a huge boot), Brusque and Bobo – the giant Fijian winger. Thion, the second row, is also one to watch out for. However you look at it, they are a powerful side and the bookies have reflected this; a flood of money this week has seen them cut from 5s to 4s and vying for favouritism with Toulouse.

Saracens have selected a side showing 2 changes from that which started at Bristol last weekend – out go Sanderson and Harris, in come Randell and Haughton, the last named bringing a different attacking dimension to our play. That is, of course, assuming he gets the ball. The selection, the performance at Bristol and the comments emanating out of the club this week all point to us playing 10 man rugby at its finest – nothing wrong with that, as Samui will tell you! In fact, you could go as far to say that Glen Jackson is the most pivotal player on show for Sarries. Castigated by some, adored by others, he has to be on top form with his kicking game – find the corners, kick the goals, the 10 man game becomes a whole lot easier. If he has a good day, we will be on the front foot and that is the only way we can win; counter-attacking from deep against Biarritz is not going to be the answer.

I genuinely believe we have an even money chance of winning this game. That comes from a belief that we can win the forwards battle in the front row and get enough ball for Glen to kick us into game winning positions. It will be tough, no doubt, not for those of a nervous disposition but it is by no means a foregone conclusion that Biarritz head home with the points.

To go back to where we started – don’t forget Parma. Please, let us not have to go through anything like that ever again watching Sarries. What better way to really push the eras of under-achievement into the past than to beat Biarritz on Sunday?