Love them or loathe them, Saracens 2021/22 will certainly add some star power to the Gallagher Premiership this season. Will the former Gallagher Premiership champions manage to reach Twickenham for the Final?
Ins and Outs for Saracens 2021/22
From their Championship campaign, club stalwart Michael Rhodes and hot prospect Ali Crossdale are the most notable departees. It was the year prior that would have hurt the squad-list the most, with internationals Liam Williams, Will Skelton, and George Kruis amongst those leaving the club to lower the club’s salary cap.
The most prominent additions this season will be their talented youngsters returning from loan-spells. Max Malins and Ben Earl developed their games hugely at Bristol, gaining international honours in the process. Alex Lozowski would have learned plenty from his rollercoaster campaign in Montpellier, whilst Nick Isiekwe has notched more Premiership experience on loan at Northampton.
Outside of the loanees, Italy international Marco Riccioni adds some much-needed depth at Tighthead Prop, and Ivan Van Zyl adds some quality at scrum-half. There is also the relatively unknown Theo McFarland, a former basketball international who joins the stocks at Second Row. The Samoan stands at 6 ft 6″ and weighs in at 115kg, so could be offer the powerful ball-carrying that Will Skelton provided in the past.
Most Valuable Players
Saracens won an abundance of silverwear stemming from a core of world-class players. This group of experienced internationals will no doubt be at the forefront of Saracens’ title prospects. The British and Irish Lions contingent including Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell, and Jamie George will be an obvious threat to opposition. Saracens fans will no doubt hope that Billy Vunipola can return to his best form.
How will Saracens line up in 2021/2022?
Despite their salary cap embarrassment, Mark McCall has retained the majority of his England internationals. Their matchday should be similar to their last outings in the Premiership, but England fans will be hopeful of Ben Earl and Max Malins featuring far more frequently.
Will Saracens 2021/22 remain a dominant force?
After a rocky start to the Championship (including a shock defeat to Cornish Pirates), Saracens recovered well. They hammered an improving Ealing side (who defeated Gloucester in their recent friendly) 60-0 and 57-15 across the two legs in the Final. The London side are amongst the bookies’ favourites.
That being said, there are chinks in their armour. The loss of former forwards and defence coach Alex Sanderson to Sale could prove a major blow. Sanderson presided over the Wolfpack defence in a period of great success, and has since gone on to lead a rapid rise for his new club. Whilst Saracens conceded the fewest points in the Championship, the relatively inexperienced defence coach Adam Powell has huge boots to fill.
International periods also provide a huge challenge to Saracens, with call-ups hindering their ability to field competitive matchday squads. During the 2021 6 Nations, a whopping ten of the current Saracens squad were involved. Mark McCall rested various internationals in their recent friendly with Ulster, and the result was a concerning 33-3 loss to the Belfast club. This could prove vital in a tight-race for the top two spots.
Saracens certainly have the ability to reclaim England’s top prize, but it’s unlikely to be as easy as previous seasons.
Gallagher Premiership Round One fixture vs Bristol Bears- Ashton Gate, September 17
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