Heineken Cup Preview - Saracens v Ulster

Saracens have been in the news again this week for bringing live wolves into a talk on defensive duties given by defence coach Paul Gustard.  The idea was to lend character to the idea that Sarries must adopt the same mentality as a pack of the wild canine;  working together, relentlessly pursuing, never easing up (marking territory on a frequent basis was left out).  I personally quite liked that touch, but there are a number of critics who rolled their eyes and complained about yet another publicity gimmick from the Fez Heads; one to be added to the well-broadcasted team-building excursions (with the Munich beer festival and a ski resort being recent destinations), rent-a-crowd allegations and those self-produced, ear-destroying 'songs' that get belted out at every opportunity at home games.

But there is nothing gimmicky about the way Sarries are going about their rugby at the moment.  Traditionally low on tries and entertainment, the London side have picked up their game with an injection of pace, tempo and invention, perhaps coinciding with their move to the 'perfect' pitch an Allianz Park.  Some of their displays – most notably against Leicester and Harlequins – have been so packed full of power and precision that it would provide a severe challenge to any of Europe's finest, with Mako Vunipola bullocking over defenders and Owen Farrell pulling the strings intelligently from fly half.  The Sarries game is based on momentum and, once they get quick ball, their big men can be very hard to stop.

Ulster will be well aware that they're entering the Wolves' lair when they arrive at Twickenham on Saturday – but it's not exactly like they lack teeth themselves.  In Craig Gilroy they have one of Europe's most elusive runners and Ruan Pienaar remains one of the game's canniest operators from scrum half, whilst their pack boasts such big, aggressive units as John Afoa, Chris Henry and Dan Tuohy.  If they can drag Sarries into a slow-ball arm-wrestle between the fatties, they will begin to frustrate the men in black and will be able to get their own fliers onto the front foot – and the hosts will not be keen to have the small but agile Ulster backline running at them whilst they're in retreat.

The wolf pack is ready, and the gimmicks are over.  Let the hunt begin.

 

Saracens Team News

England fly-half Owen Farrell moves to 10 with Charlie Hodgson on the bench as Saracens welcome last year's beaten finalists Ulster to Twickenham.  Brad Barritt and Schalk Brits both return for the English league leaders.

Starting Line up: Goode; Ashton, Tomkins, Barritt, Strettle; Farrell, Wigglesworth; Vunipola, Brits, Stevens, Borthwick, Hargreaves, Brown, Fraser, Joubert.

Subs: Smit, Gill, Du Plessis, Botha, Wray, De Kock, Hodgson, Wyles.

Key Player

Mako Vunipola.  The young prop whose face looks like it's made of old leather will have a stern test of his abilities when he comes face to face with the powerful John Afoa.  Vunipola's carrying of late has been nothing short of blockbusting and he will have to make sure that he wins the yardage battle against his equally mobile opponent, whilst anchoring the scrum effectively.  A difficult task but one he has already proven well capable of.

Ulster Team News

Ulster have made three expected changes to their starting line-up, with Ireland international Luke Marshall replacing Stuart Olding at inside centre after recovering from concussion.  New Zealander John Afoa returns at prop and Iain Henderson on the blind-side.  Fit-again winger Tommy Bowe is named among the replacements after a lengthy absence with a serious knee injury.

Starting Line up: Payne; Trimble, Cave, Marshall, Gilroy; Jackson, Pienaar; Court, Best, Afoa; Muller (capt), Tuohy; Henderson, Henry, Williams.

Subs: Herring, Black, Lutton, Diack, McComish, Marshall, Olding, Bowe.

Key Player

Paddy Jackson.  The young fly half acquitted himself pretty well in Ireland colours after a shakey start this Six Nations, but on Saturday he will be up against the much-vaunted 'wolves' of the Saracens defence, who will be looking to take every opportunity to make him panic and make a rash decision.  His coolness under pressure and ability to play a smart territorial game will be critical to Ulster's chances at Twickenham.

 

Key Battle

Schalk Brits v Rory Best.  The Saracens hooker is hitting the kind of form that made him such a threat for his first couple of seasons in the Premiership, using footwork Jason Robinson would be proud of and running a lineout with the best win-percentage in Europe.  Best, meanwhile, has been off his game throwing-wise and Ulster have a record of only 74% in the lineout department this Heineken Cup, and if the Irish province are to gain any sort of foothold in this game then they need make sure their set-piece is up to scratch. 

 

Prediction

Schalk Brits v Rory Best.  Ulster picked up a great away win against Leinster last weekend and will be full of confidence, but Saracens are in fantastic form themselves and have 'home' advantage.  They'll have to get used to playing on a normal pitch again after looking so sharp on their artificial turf, but that won't bother the Premiership leaders and I think they'll pip a bruising encounter.  Sarries by 5.