The final weeks of Saracens' 2013/14 season turned into a nightmare as they lost two huge finals in the space of seven days and faced the prospect of a long summer trying to work out where they went wrong. Now 12 months on a few of those memories will have faded and have been replaced by sweeter ones after Saturday's Aviva Premiership Final victory. It is fair to say that this season Saracens took a little while to get into their domestic stride, they didn’t sing in terms of their performances from day one but they delivered the results regardless and when it really mattered Mark McCall's side showed immense domestic power and resolve.
From a silverware perspective Saracens’ campaign has been the most fruitful of any Aviva Premiership side as they secured the Aviva Premiership A League Title, the LV Cup and the big one, the Aviva Premiership Title. The 'Triple' is an indication of their squad depth and the emergence of some extremely impressive home grown talents. From the LV and A League sides Ben Spencer, Matt Hankin have shone and of course Maro Itoje was present in both of those teams before pushing on and securing a first team jersey. Maro is a phenomenal talent, his leadership and prowess defy his years and at such a young age he is already a true professional in his conduct and behaviour.
In the first team I could name every single player and heap them with praise, Saracens are the Aviva Premiership Champions for a reason, however if I may I'll just point out one man that has astounded us all with his versatility; Chris Wyles. The American has saved Mark McCall countless selection headaches due to his ability to slot in at full back, on the wing and in the centres, indeed he'd probably play 10 if you asked him to and he would do it well! Wyles is a superb asset and his talent is quite something for you could count on one hand the number of domestic players that could do the same as he has this season in terms of moving so seamlessly across the back line.
Mark McCall’s pack have worked tremendously hard this season, Billy Vunipola’s fitness and form has given them a central point to base themselves around and Jamie George must take significant credit for taking the scrum and lineout duties on his shoulders in the absence of Schalk Brits. Defensively Saracens led the way this year, their speciality is stifling teams and forcing them to make mistakes and doing so with endless energy. These characteristics are combined with backs that know how to finish opportunities, between them Chris Ashton, David Strettle and Chris Wyles scored 44 tries this season and Alex Goode made countless meters, cover tackles and breaks himself. Brad Barritt's defensive duties are well known and Charlie Hodgson has played more rugby than he would have expected to due to Owen Farrell's injury.
This season Saracens did things the hard way, they scrapped for fourth position and travelled away from home for their Semi-Final, the result was a battle hardened and focused Saracens side that ran out at Twickenham Stadium. The victory over Bath will have meant more than any of us on the outside can imagine and it was a product of extremely hard graft and effort. Saracens aren’t the most well loved team in the Aviva Premiership, they have many critics however this season they have won the respect of many due to their application and the intense performances that they have delivered domestically and in Europe this season. The fact of the matter is Saracens have a number of young talents, more than many outside of the club realise and personally I don’t see them leaving the top flight of the domestic rankings any time soon!