Saracens confident of giving Clermont Auvergne a tough time in Heineken Cup

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/apr/22/saracens-clermont-auvergne-heineken-cup

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Saracens have warned Clermont Auvergne to expect a far tougher Heineken Cup collision than when the sides last met in the knockout stages two years ago. The French club's 22-3 win in Watford in 2012 was described as "men against boys" by the home coach Mark McCall, who predicts a more grown-up encounter at Twickenham on Saturday.

Not only are Sarries nine points clear in the domestic Premiership but they are a significantly bigger, stronger team than two seasons ago. "I don't think we'll ever see a situation like we did two years ago against Clermont when it really was men against boys," stressed McCall. "We were a bit lightweight and felt we were playing with one hand tied behind our backs.

"We were fighting against people who were more powerful, more explosive and bigger than us. We changed a lot after that, not least … in the strength and conditioning department."

While Clermont, beaten finalists last year, remain formidable opponents, Sarries also feel better prepared than 12 months ago when they lost to Toulon at Twickenham in the last four.

"We know what we are up against but we think we can go one better this year," said McCall. "Our game has evolved and we have players on top of their games at the moment. This group has been together five years, has played a lot and been through a lot of experiences. We are as ready as we've ever been to meet a challenge like this."

McCall also confirmed England's Owen Farrell is fit to start at fly-half having recovered from the swollen foot that forced him off the field prematurely against Northampton a fortnight ago. It leaves Sarries with relatively few injury issues as they continue to pursue a European and domestic trophy double. "If you are lucky enough to progress in all competitions it becomes quite difficult (to juggle) but that's a challenge we'd quite like to have," added McCall.

"Standing here right now, I'm sure we would settle for one trophy. Clermont have been in the knockout stages of this competition for seven years and have never won it.

"We know how difficult it is to win things but we've got ourselves into a cracking situation and we need to take advantage of it. Just to get to the semi-finals for this group is not enough. We need to kick on and win something."