McCall ready for a tough outing at the London Double Header
Issued on behalf of Premiership Rugby.
THE London Double Header will make for a happy return to Twickenham for Saracens but director of rugby Mark McCall believes his side cannot underestimate Worcester Warriors if they are to leave the stadium smiling again.
There are few places any rugby fan would rather be than among a Twickenham crowd in full roar and on Saturday 28 November the usual experience at rugby HQ will quite literally double in intensity.
The first match-up on the schedule is Aviva Premiership Rugby champions Saracens against a newly-promoted Worcester Warriors followed by Wasps facing London Irish.
Saracens came away from their last game at Twickenham as Aviva Premiership Rugby Champions but Worcester have already proved they are not about to be pushovers this season. And while Saracens take some stopping on any given day, McCall insists another victory at Twickenham will not come easy.
“We’ve always relished playing at the London Double Header, and it’s been a bit different this year because it’s usually the first fixture of the season,” he said.
“But we enjoyed the last time we were at Twickenham and it’s always a great way for the younger players in the group to experience that atmosphere and test themselves on the big stage.
“There are so many good teams in the Aviva Premiership now, every team gets stuck in each week and there aren’t really any upsets anymore because anyone can beat anyone whether you’ve been promoted like Worcester Warriors or not.
“We had two unbelievably tough games with Newcastle last season, we lost to both Exeter and Northampton home and away so there are teams out there who will do a number on you if you don’t get your approach right.”
On top of their victory in last season’s final, Saracens have enjoyed their days out at Twickenham in recent times.
They snatched a dramatic win over Wasps in last year’s London Double Header and are currently on a three-game winning streak at the event.
Despite their trophy-winning campaign, Saracens did not have the perfect season last year – they finished fourth in the regular season after topping the table twice in 2013 and 2014. And McCall admits it is mental fortitude, rather than the pursuit of perfection, that has formed a title-winning team.
“I think the important thing is for the players and staff to understand what it is that got us there in the end last season – how resilient we need to be,” added McCall.
“If we can remember the characteristics and qualities that contributed to a successful season at the end – but one that was up and down at times – then that will stand us in good stead.
“For the past six years, all we have wanted to do is give ourselves a chance at the end of each season to be in contention to win something.”
See two Aviva Premiership Rugby games at Twickenham from just £24 as Saracens face Worcester Warriors and London Irish play Wasps at the London Double Header on 28 November. Click here for tickets.
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