At this point last season we were all pondering on one question; would Saracens press on from their impressive season and continue on an upward trajectory? Needless to say they did so in style and I would bet my mortgage (if I had one) on them doing the same this time around. Saracens are the most confident side in Europe and they have another season's worth of experience under their belts. So, in my eyes there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t continue to lead the way during the 2016-17 Premiership term.
Mark McCall’s side is a settled and successful one and only a few individuals have left the club since the end of last season. It has been the case for a few years now that departures from Saracens are largely due to retirements and not a result of a whole host of individuals deciding to ply their trades elsewhere. It goes without saying that their three most notable departures, Charlie Hodgson, Ernst Joubert and Jacques Burger, will be missed. But, it is with respect to the trio when I also state that Saracens should be able to cope, and thrive, without them.
Of Saracens’ new entrants there are a couple that have to be mentioned when looking ahead towards the forthcoming season. Number one - Schalk Burger. The introduction of Schalk is designed to replace both Ernst Joubert and Jacques Burger and to provide the younger members of Saracens’ squad a mentor of great distinction. The South African’s experience will add to an already power charged back row and motivate all around him to better their games. I’m sure that with 86 Springbok caps Schalk has a number of tricks of the trade that he can share with the already impressive Billy Vunipola and we’ll see the latter’s upward trajectory continue.
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Another that I believe has the opportunity to thrive at Saracens is Alex Lozowski. The 23-year-old is an extremely talented fly-half but he wasn't given enough game time at Wasps to showcase this. Owen Farrell’s slight injury means that the new 10 will be able to exhibit his skills from the off and, when the England international returns, will gain valuable insights from his more experienced colleague. On the times that I’ve seen Alex take to the stage he’s shown the type of game management, vision and hands that remind me very much of George Ford and has the time on the ball that Henry Slade also enjoys. Saracens should be a tremendous platform for him to fly off and I'm am expecting big things from their new fly-half. One final point regarding Saracens' signings is to make sure that you keep an eye out for Savenaca Rawaca. He’s arriving from Ben Ryan’s indomable Fiji Sevens set up and could turn more than just a few heads in attack. He's a powerful ball carrier with pace to burn and has simply delightful Fijian handling skills.
For the whole of last season, both in the Premiership and Europe, Saracens blew us away with their almost intrinsic collective knowledge of their own game plan and consistent first-class execution. They strangulated teams, took their game to a new level in attack and blew European rugby out of the park. Prior to last season the ‘boring’ card was regularly laid at their door but in my opinion anyone that tries to pull that one out now isn’t watching properly.
Even with various International periods to contend with I cannot fathom why, come Round 22, Saracens won't be vying for a place at Twickenham Stadium on 27th May. It’s a positive and driven culture and packed with players that will be desperate to emulate the success that they achieved last season.
Key Focus: More of the same. At the end of last season Saracens had the full package; brutal defence that turned into impressive attack and in the 2016-17 season they’ll endeavour to take their game plan to the next level from the word go.
Ones To Watch: Keep an eye on the development of Maro Itoje’s and George Kruis’ partnership. Both should be eyeing Lions spots and the road to New Zealand starts continued with outstanding domestic performances.
Ins: Schalk Burger (Stormers), Mark Flanagan (Bedford Blues), Alex Lozowski (Wasps), Vincent Koch (Stormers), Sean Maitland (London Irish), Savenaca Rawaca (Fiji 7s)
Outs: Biyi Alo (to Worcester Warriors), Jacques Burger (retired), Catalin Fercu (to Timisoara Saracens), Rhys Gill (to Cardiff Blues), Charlie Hodgson (retired), Ernst Joubert (retired), Baden Kerr (released), Kieran Longbottom (to Sale Sharks), Nils Mordt (retired), Aaron Morris (to Harlequins) Dave Porecki (to London Irish), Hayden Smith (Esher), Ben Ransom (to London Irish), Max Wilkins (released).
