Saracens scrum-half Ben Spencer is determined to overcome holders Exeter Chiefs in the LV=Cup on Sunday and secure a home tie in the semi-finals.

A victory over the Chiefs at Allianz Park will give Sarries the benefit of playing on their own artificial pitch and in front of their fans again in the last four – and that privilege is not lost on Spencer.

“Sunday is huge, as the winner can book a home semi-final,” he said. “That gives any side a great advantage going into the final four.

“They [Exeter] are the holders, and have been performing very well in this season’s competition. It’s a massive game for us, and this group of players. We’ve had a really good season so far together, and have had some really big moments in both the A-League and in the LV=Cup.

“I’ve really enjoyed the LV=Cup campaign. We’ve had a really young team in our games against Harlequins, away to the Ospreys in Neath, and last weekend in Oxford.

“We’ve shown a lot of character and a few of the younger boys in our side have put their hands up and have made themselves counted, which is great.

“Sunday will be another huge test for us. The Chiefs always put out strong sides and are playing some very good rugby at the moment. They had a very good win away to Newport last weekend and have already qualified for the last four. They are a dangerous team.

“Exeter have added more aspects to their game plan in recent seasons and they’ll pose a big threat to us.”

Spencer added: “We’ve got a few more bodies back. Maro [Itoje] is back from the Saxons, and he has led unbelievably well in both the A-League and the LV=Cup.

“He’s unbeaten in games that he has captained so far this season, he has been in superb form, and he carried that form into the Saxons camp.”

Spencer has been key to Saracens’ LV=Cup campaign. The influential half-back has played every minute of the Anglo-Welsh competition and scored 15 points in his side’s dramatic 20-15 victory away at London Welsh on Sunday.

“We said in the huddle after the game that Sunday’s win was one of the club’s biggest wins of the season considering the circumstances – including the Storm [A-league] final,” said Spencer.

“To come to the Kassam Stadium and beat what is pretty much London Welsh’s strongest team is fantastic. To get a result with guys who came into the team during the build-up to Sunday is phenomenal.

“It was a tough game, but we showed enough character to get the win. We were delighted and we’re looking to build on it this weekend.”

Saracens’ first team were beaten 39-26 by South African outfit Blue Bulls on Saturday, losing out in a 10-try thriller at Allianz Park as the visitors lifted the Sanlam Challenge Shield.