Rugby Union: Saracens look to build on European triumphs at home to London Irish in Aviva Premiership
Schalk Brits scores the second try for Saracens against Ospreys (pic: Paul Harding/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Sarries return to league action this weekend when hosting Exiles
Mako Vunipola carries the ball forward for Saracens against Ospreys (pic: Paul Harding/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Saracens return to Aviva Premiership action this Saturday when they host capital rivals London Irish at Allianz Park.
The north Londoners have been on continental duty in the past two weeks, winning their opening two matches in Pool Two of the European Champions Cup.
After an eight-try mauling of Northampton Saints the week previous, Sarries edged past Ospreys 36-34 at home on Saturday.
It was not the best of performances from the two-time defending champions, but it was enough to ensure they took maximum points from their opening two matches.
Liam Williams in action for Saracens against Ospreys (pic: Paul Harding/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Wing Chris Wyles openly admits Saracens could have done better against Ospreys, but knows the win was all important and that it sets them up well to face the Exiles.
“We didn’t defend as well as we could have and Ospreys had some good attacking players, but ultimately we got the five points and we can go into the London Irish game on Saturday full of confidence,” he said.
Most Read
- 1 Bentley Motor blue plaque in North London 'prized off wall and stolen'
- 2 Free beach returns to Finchley Road for the summer
- 3 I want to philately! Freddie Mercury’s stamp collection goes on display
- 4 Royal Free denies allowing Tory MP to influence medical decision
- 5 Fences and padlocks at Primrose Hill once again
- 6 Camden councillors set to give themselves a pay rise
- 7 Alleged stalker sent '1,000 emails in a month’ to The Crown star Claire Foy
- 8 Opening date confirmed for new Finchley Road Aldi
- 9 'Gabriels stun Koko – superstardom seems inevitable'
- 10 Bow Lock murder defendants blame each other for fatal attack
After beating Northampton 57-13 away from home a week earlier, hopes were high that Saracens could turn in another impressive display against Ospreys.
Though Mark McCall’s men eventually did enough to triumph, they were unable to reach the heights of their display at Saints.
Brad Barritt in action for Saracens against Ospreys (pic: Paul Harding/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
But Wyles was still content with the display nonetheless, though acknowledges there are areas where the north Londoners can improve.
“There was some good stuff from us and we played really well in patches,” he added.
“After the performance against Northampton Saints, we felt confident we could go into the game flying at home.
“In some ways, it was a touch disappointing that we didn’t defend the way we wanted to.
“It’s a great five points for us, we sit top of the table and we’ll be moving into the Premiership full of confidence.”
Wyles crossed for his fourth try of the season in all competitions against Ospreys to lead the Saracens try scoring charts alongside scrum half Ben Spencer.
And the 34-year-old former USA international says he is placed with how he has started the new term and wants to maintain his good form.
“It’s so far, so good. I just want to keep my head down and keep working as hard as I can,” he said.
