On Saturday afternoon Saracens did it again, they forced their opponents into submission by playing at an intensity that one of the best side’s in the Premiership couldn't live with. Critics will continue to bash ‘boring and unimaginative Saracens' but potentially that all stems from jealousy because Mark McCall's side have yet to lose in the competition, something that others can only dream about.
Now, having had some time to reflect on this Premiership European semi-final, I've come to the conclusion that it reminded me greatly of last year's domestic final. On both occasions Saracens were facing opponents filled with flair and form and on both occasions Mark McCall's side pushed them off their stride and dictated the fixtures. This time there wasn't a trophy at the end of it but there will be in three weeks time and from where I'm sitting the odds are stacked nicely in Saracens' favour.
Now, having had some time to reflect on this Premiership European semi-final, I've come to the conclusion that it reminded me greatly of last year's domestic final. On both occasions Saracens were facing opponents filled with flair and form and on both occasions Mark McCall's side pushed them off their stride and dictated the fixtures. This time there wasn't a trophy at the end of it but there will be in three weeks time and from where I'm sitting the odds are stacked nicely in Saracens' favour.
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| (C) Paler Images |
At the Madejski Stadium Saracens showed the full benefit of their knockout experience, this was their fourth successive European semi-final and there’s truth in the phrase that you have to lose some along the way to understand how to win when it matters. On Saturday afternoon the Premiership leaders were physical powerhouses and led by the first-class performances from the Vunipola brothers and Maro Itoje.
Ultimately Wasps’ dream start, that sublime score from Dan Robson, couldn’t be built upon and instead Saracens dictated the match. Wasps had little possession and territory of their own and their dynamic backs didn’t spark as we’ve seen them do in recent weeks. Of course much of the lack of spark has to be down to the quality of the defence that they were up against, space against Saracens is limited at best and when they take their physicality to the level that we saw on Saturday few teams in Europe can cope, hence their unbeaten record in the tournament.
A word if I may on the Man of the Match Maro Itoje. At this point, a couple of days after the victory, every positive adjective in the dictionary will have been used to describe the 21-year-old so forgive me if I repeat just a couple. Itoje is one of the rare individuals that looks born to excel on the largest of stages, already he is a powerful athlete and consistently is performing at the highest of levels. His citing commissioner warning was a small black mark on his afternoon’s work, but every player learns on the job, and it wasn’t a heinous crime.
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| (C) Paler Images |
Of course there will be slight concerns regarding Owen Farrell’s citing from the independent commissioner because the low end sanction for a dangerous tackle is two weeks and mid-rage is 6. We’ll just have to wait and see how that one pans out over the coming days and Saracens will react accordingly.
Putting that to one side Brad Barritt lifting the European Champions Cup trophy has been Saracens’ focus since a cold Saturday night back in November when they blew away Toulouse at Allianz Park. If Mark McCall’s side are victorious on May 14 at the Grand Stade de Lyon then they will be the first team ever to remain unbeaten en route to the title. Saracens’ style of play may not be everyone’s cup of tea but whether you like it or not you have to appreciate what a huge achievement it would be to take the 2016 European title.
Putting that to one side Brad Barritt lifting the European Champions Cup trophy has been Saracens’ focus since a cold Saturday night back in November when they blew away Toulouse at Allianz Park. If Mark McCall’s side are victorious on May 14 at the Grand Stade de Lyon then they will be the first team ever to remain unbeaten en route to the title. Saracens’ style of play may not be everyone’s cup of tea but whether you like it or not you have to appreciate what a huge achievement it would be to take the 2016 European title.
