Saracens in for a battle on their Warriors trip
Saracens' Billy Vunipola celebrates scoring his try against Harlequins (pic: Mark Kerton/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
North Londoners hope trip to Scotland is start of successful European campaign
Saracens' Owen Farrell kicked 20 points against Harlequins (pic: Mark Kerton/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Saracens begin their Heineken Champions Cup campaign on Sunday with a trip to Guinness Pro14 side Glasgow Warriors.
The north Londoners have been placed in Pool Three, along with Warriors, their Pro14 rivals Cardiff Blues and French Top14 outfit Lyon.
Sarries start things off this weekend with a trip to Scotstoun Stadium to face a Glasgow side currently leading the Conference A standings in the Pro14.
Mark McCall’s men will hope the trip across the border marks the start of a successful European campaign after going out in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Leinster last season.
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The Allianz Park outfit begin their European journey having racked up six straight wins in the Gallagher Premiership.
Saracens were made to work hard for their latest success, though, as they edged past London rivals Harlequins 25-20 on Saturday.
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The north Londoners were trailing with 10 minutes remaining, but a late Billy Vunipola try helped them come from behind to win.
The England forward praised the team’s mental toughness in that win, something they will need in abundance if they are to win a third Champions Cup this season.
“You’ve got to give as good as you get and watching Danny Care celebrate his try the way he did frustrated me and the team as well,” Vunipola told the club website.
“We did well to keep that as a motivating point, but not just that bit. There’s always a little bit extra for us against Quins and it’s a tough place for us to win.
“The last time we won there was when Charlie Hodgson was playing, that’s how I remember it.
“We can still get better. I thought we did well to stay in the game and we were brilliant in terms of our mental toughness and resilience.
“I think if we can marry that up with our accuracy and playing in the right places then we’ll be fine.”
Owen Farrell was in good form with the boot for Saracens against Quins, adding 20 points from the tee in the battling triumph.
It was a win that proves the north Londoners have the mental toughness needed to go all the way in Europe’s premier club competition this term.
And now Sarries will hope the prove they have the quality too by getting the better of Glasgow in their opening game in Pool Three on Sunday.