Saracens squad envy of Europe, claims Wyles
SARACENS centre Chris Wyles believes the abundance of riches in the squad makes his team the ones to beat in this year’s Heineken Cup.
The Aviva Premiership leaders have six representatives in England coach Stuart Lancaster’s squad for next month’s autumn internationals, including previously uncapped centre Joel Tomkins.
Top 14 heavyweights Toulouse are tonight’s visitors to Wembley in round two of the Heineken Cup, where a crowd of more than 50,000 is anticipated, and Wyles is adamant Sarries have a squad that all others envy.
“I think this is one of the best squads we have had,” he said. “The more players we are getting called up for international duty, the better. It just goes to show the strength of our squad.
“It’s brilliant for Joel getting a call-up along with the rest of our players. He has only been playing union for a short period of time, but he has done unbelievably well.
“He has started the season well and brings something different to the Saracens team. And now getting selected for England, it’s about him taking that next step.”
Meanwhile, Matt Hopper admits Harlequins let themselves down after losing their Heineken Cup opener against Scarlets, but has vowed to learn from the mistakes ahead of the trip to Clermont Auvergne.
Quins have also made a slow start to their domestic campaign, losing three of their opening five games.
But Hopper insists the trip to central France provides the perfect opportunity to kick-start their campaign.
“It’s always great to go to France, they are a top class side and it will be a huge test,” said Hopper.
“We’re desperate to right the wrongs [from the Scarlets game] and the first few weeks of the season.
“It was slightly disappointing and we feel we let ourselves down in certain areas, but Scarlets are a decent team and did well.
“We are a very skilful side, though, we have shown that at the beginning of this season, but individually and collectively we are not happy.
“But going over to France is a massive opportunity.”
Every match in the Aviva Premiership Rugby Season is crucial, to be there to support your team buy your ticket from premiershiprugby.com/tickets
TEAM LINE-UPS
Saracens
Goode, Ashton, Wyles, Taylor, Strettle, Farrell, Wigglesworth, M Vunipola, Brits, Stevens, Borthwick, Hargreaves, B Vunipola, Burger, Joubert
Toulouse
Medard, Huget, Fritz, Poitrenaud, Gear, McAlister, Doussain, Galan, Dusautoir, Nyanga, Tekori, Maestri, Johnston, Tolofua, Ferreira