Saracens’ boys at the Rugby World Cup
The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season begins on 19th October, and most teams are out in full force to start their campaign strong,. But one team will suffer more than the rest – Saracens. The most dominant team in rugby union, having won the Gallagher Premiership and the Champions Cup last year, you would expect them to be charging onto the field looking to keep their titles. But, there’s one problem – eight of the first-string squad are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup.
The success of Saracens has gone unrivalled for many years now. In the last six seasons, the club has won four Premiership titles, three European titles and one domestic title. During the same six seasons, whenever the Sarries weren’t winning a cup, they were making the semi or quarter-finals. It’s fair to say they’re once again the team to beat.
Whilst many of the players are still at the Rugby World Cup, Northampton Saints will be looking to take advantage of the hole left in the Sarries squad as the two meet at Allianz Park at the weekend. Of course, all club players on the pitch this weekend will be hoping for England to advance to the semi-finals, but for some, there is a sweet underlying benefit for them to progress another week.
Many players and fans will have predicted if the Saracens boys are coming home this weekend not. But when do you think the eight Saracens boys will return to fill out their squad? Make your prediction here: paddypower.com/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup-2019.
A few of the English boys that will be missing in the Saracens line-up
Elliot Daly
An agile full-back, Daly made his international debut and helped England to a Grand Slam victory at the 2016 Six Nations Championship. An incredible kicker, especially at long-range distances, the versatile player can also play at centre and wing. Daly’s made a great impact at both club and country level. He recently joined Saracens from Wasps and there’s no doubt his presence will be missed on the domestic field this weekend.
Owen Farrell
It was recently announced that George Ford will be on the bench for the quarter-final clash against Australia, with Farrell making the starting line-up. Back in form after a previous sickness bug, it will be interesting to see how quick Farrell can get back into the groove of the tournament now that the stakes are so high. Although Ford has arguably been one of the best players during this tournament, Captain Farrell will be wearing the number 10 jersey.
Jamie George
England’s leading hooker, George is a formidable force for both Saracens and the Red Roses. This is his second Rugby World Cup and so far, he has been one of England’s strongest in defence with a tackle success rate of 93%. Having scored a try against Australia in the 2016 Tour of Australia, George will be one of the few on the pitch that has already made it past the Australian defensive line.
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These three men are in the starting XV for the quarter-final against Australia, alongside domestic teammates Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola and Mako Vunipola. Fellow Sarrie, George Kruis is on the bench whilst Jack Singleton is the only Saracens player not chosen for the quarter-final squad.
