Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match at Saracens.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the London Irish win
- We turned over too much ball – around 22 during the match – and that made a huge difference. We could not build any pressure.
- In the first half we left at least three tries – including the one Tom Howe had disallowed – out there.
- But the key thing is that we won and we also denied Irish a bonus point. Winning the game was the biggest positive to come out of the game.
On facing Saracens
- It will be a massive test. They are the best team in Europe and they are likely to be smarting from losing at Exeter yesterday.
- They are an outstanding team who can field virtually a full international side.
- It’s a major challenge and we need to be on our mettle to compete against them. But whoever goes there will relish that challenge.
Are you likely to rotate the squad?
- There may be some enforced changes because of injury. But we have had three tough games on the bounce so there is likely to be some rotation.
- We have got good depth in the squad and when appropriate – as we did at Harlequins – rotation will be used.
Injuries
- Duncan Weir has got to see a dentist to assess the damage to his teeth and jaw, which already has a plate in there.
- Nick Schonert failed a head injury assessment and he will have to go through the return-to-play protocol.
- Melani Nanai has had an injection in a shoulder which we hope will clear up the injury that ruled him out of the Irish match.
- Marco Mama is available this weekend.
- Ollie Lawrence is in the Cavaliers squad against Northampton Wanderers this evening.
- Will Butler was sent home today because of illness.