Wyles hails Saracens’ squad depth as winning start to the season continues

Wing Chris Wyles has praised Saracens’ squad depth after a much-changed side defeated Newcastle Falcons, extending the Premiership champions’ winning start to the season to eight games in all competitions.

Tries from debutant Samuela Vunisa and youngster Nick Tompkins plus late scores from Charlie Hodgson and replacement Billy Vunipola helped Saracens to a 38-3 victory at Kingston Park.

Wyles said: “We’ve talked a lot about building a squad over the last four years so that we can really compete on both fronts, in the Aviva Premiership and the Champions Cup.

“The guys who have come in have been fantastic. Look at Speno [scrum-half Ben Spencer], for example. He plays well above his years and experience really, and he’s been one of a number of guys who have come in and really lifted the group with their performances.

“It’s reassuring for us as a squad to know that anyone can step into the team and perform.

“It was a really tough win at the weekend. In the end I think the score-line may have flattered us a little.

“Funnily enough the conditions were pretty good, and we got into a bit of kicking battle, but we remained patient and to come away with the bonus point win and remain undefeated is excellent for us as a squad.”

The Premiership leaders now head to face French side Oyonnax on Sunday in their third European Champions Cup group clash.

In recent seasons Saracens have been English rugby’s flag bearers in the tournament – and they are looking to make their mark on the continent once again. “It’s a huge competition for us,” said Wyles. “We’ve been there or thereabouts in the last couple of years and we’ve managed to consistently reach the last four and even the final in recent seasons – but we want to go one better this year as it’s the one competition that has eluded us.

“To do that we need to concentrate on Oyonnax this weekend, and focus on what promises to be tough challenge over in France.”