Mark McCall avoided telling his Saracens players they could not qualify for the LV= Cup semi-finals before they took on Sale.
Prop Stevens praised after making his first start in two years
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall believes his side are gaining momentum at the right time after their LV= Cup hammering of Sale.
The London club ran in eight tries - winger Chris Wyles scoring three of them - as they smashed their Aviva Premiership rivals 50-7 at Vicarage Road.
Despite the result Sarries still go out of the competition, as Newport Dragons beat Scarlets earlier on Sunday to clinch top place in the group.
McCall knew the outcome from Rodney Parade before his side kicked off their game but did not tell his players the score.
"We go out of the Cup but after our Heineken Cup disappointments it was hugely important to get back on track and to build up some momentum heading back into the Aviva Premiership campaign," he said.
"The management knew the outcome of the Newport game beforehand but the players didn't and I thought they were outstanding in all that they did.
"We'd had two very fine performances in as many weeks with a superb win in Llanelli against Scarlets and then this tremendous performance. And we've scored 13 tries in two matches.
"Yet we put real emphasis in training on our defence and set-piece because we wanted to sharpen up and build up momentum as well as confidence.
"It's also been an excellent competition for us in terms of providing an opportunity to give a number of the younger lads a bit of a run in the team.
"Young Owen Farrell at fly-half is a case in point and a number of boys have made their mark out of our academy which is all about the future of the club."
Stevens impressive
McCall singled out several individuals for their efforts in a fine team display, including Matt Stevens after the prop made his first start in two years.
He added: "Matt Stevens did not look like a guy who was making his first senior start to a game in two years.
"I thought he had a fine game at tighthead. I was also delighted for Chris Wyles who was man of the match having scored a very fine hat-trick of tries.
"Mouritz Botha was another who had a very fine game and what matters now is that we take this form and momentum into our Premiership programme which starts in two weeks when Leeds come here for the first of a block of four games."
