Gaffney pleased with win

Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney was delighted with his side's victory over Bristol, admitting injuries are starting to take their toll.

Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney was delighted with his side's victory over Bristol, admitting the mounting injury list is starting to take its toll. Gaffney made 10 changes from the side that beat Leeds last time, and although he welcomed Andy Farrell, Kameli Ratuvou and Moses Raulini back from World Cup duty, had several players sidelined through injury. "We know we're down to the absolute bones as far as backs are concerned. We just can't afford injuries," he said after the 45-15 victory. "Kameli was struggling after 20 minutes. He got trodden on and was limping and we thought about bringing him off. But he can score a try or two. "Last year in the Premiership did him good and I think that was displayed in the World Cup." The competition takes a break for the Heineken Cup, in which Saracens will face Biarritz at home, before travelling to Llanelli to conclude the pool stage. Gaffney said: "We're going in with a chance against Llanelli. "It's a difficult place to win but we've won four games away from home so we'll go there with confidence. Biarritz at home will give us a fair measure of where we stand." In contrast, counterpart Richard Hill already had one eye on the Heineken Cup campaign, saving many of his best players for next week. "There will be a lot of players back for next week," he said. "We were in the game for 60 minutes and as soon as we had the sin-bin and they got a couple of quick tries it was over. "The last 20 minutes were a bit of a free run for Saracens. "It's a massive year for Bristol in the Heineken Cup and we want to give a good account of ourselves. "We've got to be in good shape. If we'd have put our full side out for all these games we'd end up with no players by Christmas."