This week on The Third Half, the guys ask why people still don’t like Saracens, despite their recent success. They also ponder whether Team GB can be successful at the Rio Olympics, and discuss Joe Marler and Mike Ford.
Video credit: The Rugby Revolution
England men’s 7s may be doing poorly at the moment but the women’s team are currently third in the world series and just won the Canadian installment (beating New Zealand comprehensively in the final – NZ are second in the standings). With momentum on their side, the women’s GB team could be in with a serious shout for a medal.
Re Saracens – I agree that at the moment they play attractive rugby but that wasn’t always the case. I remember the era around 2010 through 2012 when they were all about kicking for territory and forcing the penalty, and scored extremely few tries (despite still finishing in the top four). Perhaps not coincidentally it also seemed to be around the time that the team was dominated by South Africans. Kudos to McCall for turning things around and instilling more of a “positive” style of play but for whatever reason the reputation has stuck, and may take a bit more time to dispel.
Even then they were often top (or near top) of the points scored and point differential tables. As you say though, they’ve opened up their game and their ability to adjust and play at the top level no matter what the conditions and opponent present them with. Unfortunately for many other people (in rugby as in life…) there’s no point in letting facts get in the way of a heartfelt bias!!!
Chris Ashton
Ashton a major reason for Saracens continued success, picks up tries which no one else even sees
Ashton, Farrell, mental numbness. Come. To. Mind. What’s the question again?