Match Preview

Sarries ended 2017 with back-to-back wins to move above Techs in the table and make the journey with the goal of staying up.

However, the lads will face possibly their toughest trip of the season on Saturday when they travel to title-chasing South Molton.

South Molton beat Sarries 42-11 at home in the second match of the campaign and Sarries are keen to prove a point on Saturday in north Devon.

“It is a tricky one, but we are hoping we can catch them a little bit off guard after Christmas and New Year,” said Saracens coach Chey Bryce.

“We have trained well this week. We had a fitness session on Tuesday to blow the cobwebs off a little bit.”

He added: “What happened at home was a bit embarrassing, but we have got lots of players available this weekend.”

Steve Hodge, Ryan Deacon and Tomas Hicklin are among those returning, while Adam Corbett is still out after a nasty head injury following a collision. Also still recovering are, Lee Dolphin (broken ribs) and Marc Cioffi (broken jaw), but Chey Bryce could make his long-awaited return to action following an ACL operation.

“I might play,” said Bryce. “I am chomping at the bit. I have done a lot of fitness testing and training, but nothing can really compare to match fitness. However, the only way to get match fitness is by playing a game, but we’ll see.”

The coaches have had a few headaches in selection as of late and this week has been no exception with a lot of lads making themselves available to play.

The lads know it's going to be a tough battle especially up front in the pack and that set pieces and ball retention is going to absolute key. South Molton have a good strong pack but Saracens strength also lies in their pack with their scrummaging going almost unchallenged in the first half of the season.

The backs also have a big job on Saturday to convert hard work into points. There is a lot of strength in the centres and speed and skill in the back three.

Everyone knows what it's going to take and spirits are high after two wins and well deserved rest. Bring on Saturday

#supersarries