In the wake of a nail-biting 19-17 triumph over the Leicester Tigers, Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall has ignited a hopeful spark regarding their chances for a playoff spot this season. Despite the odds, and needing a bit of luck from other results, Saracens are not out of the race just yet, sitting a mere six points shy of the top four. This victory follows another resounding win against Sale Sharks and marks a significant turnaround from a heavy defeat to Bath just a month prior.
Reflecting on the recent surge in form, McCall shared, "Before the Sale game last weekend, we talked about the play-offs." He revealed that the chances of making the top four were pegged at a modest 15%. "We talked about it and said, 'let's try and take it north of that'. After the Sale win, it went to 18 percent; I’m not sure where it’s going to go to now," McCall added, highlighting the team's resilient mindset.
"We need some of the teams at the bottom to do us a favour,"
McCall admitted, underscoring the reality that while their fate isn't entirely in their own hands, their focus remains sharp on the elements they can control. Saracens' immediate future includes challenges against fellow playoff contenders Bristol Bears, and later, against formidable opponents such as Exeter, Gloucester, and arch-rivals Harlequins. A victorious sweep in these matches, coupled with favorable outcomes elsewhere, could propel them into the top four.
The recent match against Leicester not only boosted their playoff hopes but also highlighted some standout performances. Saracens initially took control, leading 12-7 after the first 20 minutes. A crucial try from Eroni Mawi early in the second half tipped the scales in their favor, despite facing a tougher battle as the game progressed.
"There was a lot about the first half that I liked,"
McCall commented, appreciating the early game dominance. "In the second half, though, we had much less of the ball and a big penalty count against us. But we showed the fight and grit that we have been lacking at times this season." This grit and determination could be key as Saracens navigate their challenging run-in.
As the season heads towards its climax, Saracens' journey reflects not just the unpredictability of sports but also the unyielding spirit of a team unwilling to relinquish their dreams without a fight. Their story is far from over, and the next chapters promise to be as compelling as any.
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In the wake of a nail-biting 19-17 triumph over the Leicester Tigers, Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall has ignited a hopeful spark regarding their chances for a playoff spot this season. Despite the odds, and needing a bit of luck from other results, Saracens are not out of the race just yet, sitting a mere six points shy of the top four. This victory follows another resounding win against Sale Sharks and marks a significant turnaround from a heavy defeat to Bath just a month prior.
Reflecting on the recent surge in form, McCall shared, "Before the Sale game last weekend, we talked about the play-offs." He revealed that the chances of making the top four were pegged at a modest 15%. "We talked about it and said, 'let's try and take it north of that'. After the Sale win, it went to 18 percent; I’m not sure where it’s going to go to now," McCall added, highlighting the team's resilient mindset.
"We need some of the teams at the bottom to do us a favour,"
McCall admitted, underscoring the reality that while their fate isn't entirely in their own hands, their focus remains sharp on the elements they can control. Saracens' immediate future includes challenges against fellow playoff contenders Bristol Bears, and later, against formidable opponents such as Exeter, Gloucester, and arch-rivals Harlequins. A victorious sweep in these matches, coupled with favorable outcomes elsewhere, could propel them into the top four.
The recent match against Leicester not only boosted their playoff hopes but also highlighted some standout performances. Saracens initially took control, leading 12-7 after the first 20 minutes. A crucial try from Eroni Mawi early in the second half tipped the scales in their favor, despite facing a tougher battle as the game progressed.
"There was a lot about the first half that I liked,"
McCall commented, appreciating the early game dominance. "In the second half, though, we had much less of the ball and a big penalty count against us. But we showed the fight and grit that we have been lacking at times this season." This grit and determination could be key as Saracens navigate their challenging run-in.
As the season heads towards its climax, Saracens' journey reflects not just the unpredictability of sports but also the unyielding spirit of a team unwilling to relinquish their dreams without a fight. Their story is far from over, and the next chapters promise to be as compelling as any.