Saracens

INFORMATION
Old Site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A84388378
Head Coach: Bathite
Forwards Coach: Danny Grewcock
Backs Coach: Mike Catt

FIXTURES

Heineken: Finished 2nd in Group
1. Ospreys (A) 25-18 (L)
2. Clermont (H) 29-20 (W)
2nd in Group - Challenge Cup

Challenge Cup: Winner
Semi-Final: Leinster (N) 30-31 (W)
Final: Stade Francais (N) 21-30 (W)

Knockout Cup: 1st Round Loss
1st Round. Highlanders (A) 25-22 (L)

League: 4th
Record: P22 W13 D3 L6
1. Leinster (A) 26-19 (L)
2. Northampton (H) 23-22 (W)
3. Ospreys (A) 32-19 (L)
4. Toulouse (A) 30-16 (L)
5. Highlanders (H) 22-24 (L) LBP
6. Stade (A) 22-22 (D)
7. Toulon (H) 28-17 (W)
8. Bath (A) 28-26 (W)
9. Biarritz (H) 31-23 (W) WBP
10. Clermont (A) 19-31 (W) WBP
11. Leicester (H) 27-20 (W)
12. Leinster (H) 30-22 (W) WBP
13. Northampton (A) 33-20 (W) WBP
14. Ospreys (H) 29-29 (D)
15. Toulouse (H) 25-28 (L) LBP
16. Highlanders (A) 27-25 (L) LBP
17. Stade (H) 31-22 (W) WBP
18. Toulon (A) 19-33 (W) WBP
19. Bath (H) 32-22 (W) WBP
20. Biarritz (A) 21-27 (W)
21. Clermont (H) 20-0 (W)
22. Leicester (A) 23-23 (D)



MATCHDAY

Position	Strongest Squad
1	S.Tonga'uia
2	B.Du Plessis
3	O.Franks
4	L.Nallet
5	P.Albacete
6	R.Elsom
7	S.Burger
8	S.Parisse
9	J.Cowan
10	N.Evans
11	H.Gear
12	M.Nonu
13	J.Fourie
14	D.Mitchell
15	I.Toeava
16	R.Roncero
17	P.Dixon
18	R.M-Chluski
19	M.Bergamasco
20	R.Wigglesworth
21	B.James
22	C.Heymans

FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Hookers: 2
Props: 5
Lock: 4
Back Row: 7
Half Backs: 4
Centres: 3
Back Three: 5
Squad Size: 29 (29 Available)

Forwards

Name	Position	Nationality	Squad Status	Value
Soane Tonga'uia	LH	Tonga	Key Player
Rodrigo Roncero	LH	Arg	First Team
Wyatt Crockett	LH	NZ	First Team
Owen Franks	TH/LH	NZ	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Matt Stevens	TH/LH	Eng	First Team	INJ
Bismarck Du Plessis	HK	SA	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Pieter Dixon	HK	Zimb	Back Up	£10m
Lionel Nallet	LK	France	Key Player
Patricio Albacete	LK	Argentina	Key Player
Romain Millo-Chluski	LK	France	First Team
Julien Pierre	LK	France	Rotation
Rocky Elsom	BS/N8	Australia	Invaluable
Schalk Burger	OS/BS/N8	SA	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Sergio Parisse	N8	Italy	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Mirco Bergamasco	OS/BS	Italy	First Team
Wycliff Palu	N8/BS	Australia	First Team
Thomas Waldrom	N8/BS	NZ	Rotation	£18m
Matt Todd	OS/BS	NZ	Rotation

Backs

Name	Position	Nationality	Squad Status	Value
Jimmy Cowan	SH	NZ	Key Player
Richard Wigglesworth	SH	England	First Team	£14m
Nick Evans	FH	NZ	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Butch James	FH/IC	SA	Rotation
Ma'a Nonu	IC/OC/WG	NZ	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Jacque Fourie	OC/IC/WG	SA	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Brad Barritt	IC	England	Rotation
Hosea Gear	WG	NZ	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Drew Mitchell	WG/FB	Aus	Invaluable	Not For Sale
Isaia Toeava	FB/WG/OC	NZ	Key Player
Cedric Heymans	WG/FB	France	First Team
Ben Smith	FB/WG	NZ	First Team

INJURIES
Ma'a Nonu HEALED
Rocky Elsom HEALED
Matt Stevens

FINANCES
Budget: £5m

Ok understand and thanks for a first offer, my view.

Bismark Du Plessis is one of the best hookers in the game, Rees is a good player know doubt about that and 8 million would come in handy but Du Plessis is just too big to let go.

Ouedraego would be a good signing as you questioned my injuries, but not too sure might need something elsewhere if that is allowed, to get Bismark off of me.

Evans, Gear, McCalman and Bekker available at all?

Having a little think looking at your side.

BDP & Lambie 4 Rees & Evans & 6m?

Just a first thought

Missed your other comment was looking at the Tennis draws for the French Open do you watch?

Bismark 1st or 2nd thought he would be around there, that's where I would rate him and Rees came 6th probably about right aswell. Bismark though is World Class and I wouldn't put Rees in that catergory. 8 million and 10 million would be very helpful thank you, but looking at my side Bismark is my best player and I can't afford to sell my prize asset.

Evans and Lambie I don't think it's that bigger rating gap, if you have seen Lambie this season he might not be the most influential player in the Sharks side but his talented, good kicking game and one for the future bit like the Sharks wingers in Ndungane(30 old but breaking through) and Mvovo(24 skillful player right emerging age) are very good talents, who will be on the South African stage for some period of time after the September World Cup. Evans is class though and always has been, but not sure you can underestimate Patrick Lambie's qualities.

Sorry for the long post to you this time haha

Thanks for that link will come in handy definitely.

So your also saying Lambie isn't that rated on this game?

Bit surprised by that as he is just behind Morne for South Africa. With those numbers for positions that adds up to 24, is that the number most sides have then?

You did say 26 so if I ever get to that number, I will probably look to add a extra to the back row and second row as those positions are substantially weak at this moment in time.

Very good though bathite you have been very helpful.

Potential player aren't rated highly, another strange one but as there young compared to players like Gethin Jenkins who I see available, David Wallace and Stephen Jones all available I can see why you say that.

But some of these younger players are really really good, like I have Corbisiero, Lambie, Wood and Evans don't I who are all good players but are you saying some of these won't be rated?

The fly-half's you have listed are far superior than Lambie I agree, Cooper excellent attacking player Super Rugby current player of the year, Carter best in the World at 10, Wilkinson and Steyn experienced and so on.

And thanks for making me wary of the off form players, the Phillips saga has been quite hectic thank god he has been released though. Basteraud yes I agree even though I have him.

Rokocoko and Habana bit surprised by what you say, bigger the names the earlier they get picked up but indeed not. Halfpenny, Ioane and Maitland are all class players though who should be involved in the World Cup for their sides.

Thanks again bathite out of typing breath now, need a breather

I will try adding up the numbers I might be one short but will that matter for just one week?

Shall I get involved in the Media Page and can I make a deal to you, not involving the players you mark as NFS?

Very handy you say your new but you seem to know everything haha. My offer might need a bit of tampering to after but will see.

Steenkamp & Cowan & Toeava
4
Domingo & Kelleher & Kirchner

Domingo would give you an even better front three, Cowan and Kelleher no seperating really is there and Toeava would give me a step in the right direction in my back three would you think?

What about that bathite

Ok Bathite, I think it works out quite reasonable Kelleher is a terrific scrum-half though and should still be rated by many not just on a game like this but with Rugby fans in general.

Domingo is better than Steenkamp, and like I said Toeava would kick start my regime to get a good back three which is key, at the minute it's the worst in the league probably the reason why Toulon are bottom but im here to get them off the bottom for sure bring it on I say.

What was your league position when you took over Sarries? I see the players you have brought in have all been good quality Bekker very good player for his height and tackling, McCalman amazing talent also Cowan, Evans and Fourie no need to state anything about them, you have done well to get them in also.

Steenkamp + Rees + Toeava + £5m
4
Domingo + BDP + Kirchner

Domingo is better than Steenkamp, and BDP is my best player and would only let him go for somebody like Mealamu, Servat or somebody like I said to you yesterday. I would do Toeava for Kirchner as it will improve my back three, 5 million would help but I can't afford to let BDP go.

Steenkamp & Cowan & Toeava
4
Domingo & Kelleher & Kirchner

I think that is a better deal, not keen to sell my best asset in BDP and would rather deal on the scrum-halfs, if not I see McCalman was picked up by you I didn't know if anybody had him so could change Cowan 4 Kelleher to McCalman 4 Kankowski or just stick with the one im proposing maybe?

Just another question who has Victor Vito, is he still in the foreigns section?

Thank you

Morning it was very quiet yesterday is that normal?

Domingo + BDP + Kankowski + kirchner
4
Steenkemp + Rees + McCalman + Toeava

That looks good and wouldn't expect nothing more, maybe add a cheeky 3 million to your part of the deal possibly?

If not I think that's good enough to confirm, do you think if I try and get an experienced side together it would be rated?

Thanks again for the offer you can confirm if you feel up to it.

Ok thank you I changed my side.

Do you think experience counts in this game, could it possibly get me out of bottom place or shall I just buy the best players which are left and be done with and wait and see?

Or go with a mixture of young and experience?

Im keen on players like Mortlock, D.Wallace, Howlett etc...

Would they be rated at all?

Doesn't matter just update it whenever.

You have also mentioned some good players there, Higginbotham can play 6 and 8 and looks a good prospect. Ouedraego would be a very good signing aswell.

Wing definitely need one of those for sure, Turner best bet by far I like Doug Howlett though as I have got in Toeava off you. North not too keen on him just yet still only young, I like the look of Luke Morahan for the Reds aswell.

Thank you for the steps they have been helpful.

I'll be honest, I see Domingo/Beast as pretty level and Smith/Kank as a huge huge drop.

I'd be slightly interested but not to lose one of my best players for an average backrower.

I think Domingo is slighty better but Beast was around most peoples 1-3 so pretty happy. Not worth losing the best blindside in rugby mate sorry.

You couldn't give me Kank for free, awful player.

Also think Beast is underated if anything, he scrummages well even though JdP is a total liability. He carries like a flanker and I've not seen many get the better of him in the set piece.

Sorry I tend to just get to the point lol.

You've worked wonders really. Sort out 8 and 15 and you'll be in the playoff final without doubt.

Beast not best LH in SA? If you're talking about Steenkamp, he's tripe. Gets mullered in the set piece although great in the loose. Beast is twice the player hence Beast 25yo and 15/16 caps and Steenkamp 30 and 20.

Steenkamp got most of those whilst Beast was injured/visa issues

Could I loan Matt Parr mate for either Messem or David for 2 weeks

A little lob sided but I need a prop lol...cheers mate.

So swap back after the next round fella

Cheers mate

Rate him at lot higher at 13 than on the wing , although he has took to 12 quite nicely lol.

Thought he changed the game when he came on for England against Scotland at 13. Got over the gain line a lot more than Tindall did and he's got such soft hands in the offload!

Only got 21 fit players myself lol so theres no chance of that sorry

Bloody hell you have done well there lad, team looks much better!

Serious issues with 12 though.

How about

Contepomi
4
Steenkemp

Thank you, I have 6 and centre to worry about now I think Visser can stay on the wing for the time being unless anybody wants him. He is a cracking player just a shame his Dutch, a Dutch player in Rugby is strange but at least he is a promising one.

Guildford is on form, Mealamu is experienced and along with Bismark my favourite hooker, just centre now to think about.

To the above it's a no, I know it would help but then would leave me with a tighthead to worry about.

As you seem the only one to be active on this game, just enquiring about the following deal.

Cowan & Maitland & Strettle
4
Kelleher & Visser & Tuilagi

Thank you

Domingo + Kirchner + Kankowski + 5m
4
Ayerza + Dagg + Spies

----

Not really keen on that. Ayerza is more than capable, and not a weakness whereas I think Kankowski would be considered one.

I'm tempted to do a big deal you know, something like:

Domingo + Nallet + Alberts + Burger + Gear
=
Ayerza + Russouw + Croft + McCaw + Turner

Enq.

Dagg's one that I'd struggle to lose - simply because the replacement would be Maitland or Kirchner.. Does he HAVE to be involved?

Are Domingo and Gear Available?

I knew you'd make that offer!

Not looking to lose Toeava I'm afraid

Would say there are better full backs than Masi available - Aplon off the top of my head but I'm sure there are others. Kirchner will do a job at FB, but won't set the world alight. With Maitland and Gear it may well do some good to have some stability back there and let them do what they do.

You'd be better off bidding for an 8 - Easter, Higginbotham perhaps?

Seriously mate, your side is unreal considering what you had before - and the bench is very strong. You've done very well.

But as I said, I can't really lose Spies for Kank or Dagg for Kirchner.

I'll go to Clermont for Jenkins

Aha true.

Depends how much mate.

You've got £30 mil - what you waiting for?! If you're considering getting two players out of that by relasing Kank I would advise against it - the two players won't be as good as what you already have for £19 mil a piece (assuming you got 8 mil for Kank)

Just get in a top player and wait a couple of weeks. As I said - Kirchner is fine for now.

Enq:

Domingo + Nallet + Burger + Gear
=
Ayerza + Russouw + McCaw + Turner

So

Domingo + Kirchener + £12m
=
Steenkamp + Toeava?

Deal mate

Kind of hinging on you though mate, would like a quick response.
You get what you want, two thirds an SA front row, NZL nack three
Otherwise I'll have to cancel everything else.

Cheers mate

Would do Paul James for £13?

I was about to message you, but seems like you've made your mind up!

Faure is quite good, how much have you got left and where do you need to cover, I can help.

Faure would be good, the thing with hookers is the quality is quite poor in releases.

I'd be willing to give you P James for the release price.

Cash boost?? Ok i'll let you do that

Dixon + Waldrom
4
Britz + Kankowsk

I'll deal on that mate

What if we delay the Waldrom/Kanko part till the injury is healed?

Same here, im really thinking towards Kahui but is there any need for a 13.

Evans plays 13 and Davies can play 13, so im better off with a 12 who though is the thing I can't decide on.

De Jongh, Olivier or Flutey but De Jongh can play both but I think he is more of a 13.

Really stuck.

I suppose your right, when drafted back in he played a blinder and no point dropping him if he is in that sort of form.

De Villiers can play on the wing aswell, bit surprised he isn't starting there either. Aplon and Habana are scary with their pace but never really threaten teams.

So the offer would be

Brits for Dixon and Henson?

Britz and Kank
4
Dixon and Waldrom and Henson

I'll do that them mate

Steenkamp + Nallet
=
Russouw + Domingo

Enq.

cheers dude - not a wigglesworth fan - jones is ok . . . .

heres who i would be interested in from your side mate (not including the top players I know you won't want to loose ie like nonu & gear etc . . .)

Kahui
Strettle
Nallet
Alberts
Stevens
Henson
Waldrom

have a think about those guys mate and what you might do ?

thats a decent offer but I can't loose Hari - he's my McCAw!!

how about somethign including Hape & Elsom?

will consider although I have Halfpenny, traille, slade all able to play full back - however wil get back to you mate as I am just sorting out my page after doing a deal . . .

how about something like . . .

Alberts (Key) + Strettle + Stevens (both rotation)
for
Elsom (invaluable) + Myler

its just an inquiry?

ok nice one - will look for the old price list - thats great thanks.

wil post on here for the other bids as well mate ^^^ see above

cheers