Miles Harrison can't wait to see Saracens and Northampton clash at Wembley on Saturday.
Massive clash between Saints and Sarries
This weekend the rugby action heads to Wembley for a mouth-watering clash between Saracens and Northampton.
In the opening round of the Guinness Premiership Saracens held off a late charge from London Irish to open their season with an 18-14 victory at Twickenham, while Northampton left it very late to secure their 20-17 win over Worcester.
Saracens and Northampton have some impressive talent at their disposal and Miles Harrison is expecting both sides to perform well this season.
It was certainly a fiery start to the season wasn't it? George Robson sent off under a minute into the Harlequins v Wasps game and a bit of biff between London Irish and Sarries too.
MILES REPLIES: Yes, it certainly was fiery and, from George Robson's point of view, not too clever either when you consider what had gone on over the summer. The last thing that Harlequins needed was what Robson did.
In the context of that match, obviously going down to 14 men so early in the game was always going to damage Quins' bid to win and, in the end, the numbers told. Having said that, it wasn't all bad news for Harlequins because, despite the loss of Robson, they showed that aspects of last season's form were still there. I thought the Ugo Monye try was a beauty.
As for Saracens' win over London Irish - well, that was a truly committed display from the Sarries who played in the image of their new boss, Brendan Venter. On that evidence, they will be a very hard team to beat this season.
Meanwhile, London Irish will just be grateful that the game moves on so quickly and they get another chance this week because, at Twickenham, they were running out of ways of showing 'how to not win a game'. It is safe to say that Irish will get better.
I know it's only the first week Miles, but who really caught your eye at the weekend?
MILES REPLIES: Gloucester. I had seen them train well and the atmosphere in their camp seemed good but you never know for sure if this is going to transfer onto the field but, it did, and clearly fly-half, Nicky Robinson, has settled in very well indeed. Another new signing, lock, Dave Attwood, also looked excellent. Rather ironically, both men were encouraged to Kingsholm by Dean Ryan before his departure but, Ryan's replacement, Bryan Redpath, can be very satisfied with his start. To win over a local rival is always a great way to begin the season for the fans and colours their view of the man at the helm.
Sarries host Northampton this weekend Miles, how do you feel both teams performed in their opening matches?
MILES REPLIES: I've mentioned Saracens' commitment but there was more to their performance than that. Fly-half, Glen Jackson, once again showed his worth with a polished display. I thought centre, Brad Barritt, looked full of confidence in his abilities - he is going to be a player to watch this season, as is Schalk Brits who will surely use that serious engine of his to great effect, especially on the hard grounds at the top and tail of the campaign.
By way of contrast, Northampton started sluggishly and only just managed to conjure up the win against a Worcester team that defended like Saracens did at Twickenham. But, the Saints did win and during the match there were also clear signs that, when they get it together, they are going to be a team to be reckoned with over the next few months. At times, there was a 'snap' to their play that will seriously worry opposition sides.
A lot of people have said that Northampton are a very good outside bet for the top four, but this Saracens side could be well up there too?
MILES REPLIES: I was one of those who said Northampton could well be in the top four but, to do that, they will need to be able to fight on two fronts with a massive European Cup season looming large too.
Saracens do not have the Heineken Cup distraction but they will need a big start if they are to build the belief in the squad to become a semi-final team. That is why this weekend's match at 'home' at Wembley is so important for them. Just think of the momentum should they win this one as well. Last week's match at Twickenham was meant to be a 'home' game too. It is difficult for them to call these places home but another victory and the nomadic Sarries will be cooking something moorish! (sorry! puns were never my strong point)
If Saints are to prove their backers right they need to start winning on the road - something they found quite difficult last year - how do you think things will be different in that area for them this season?
MILES REPLIES: That is the 'nail on the head' comment for Northampton this season. Franklin's Gardens got them home to victory again last week but they have to win away if they are to make the breakthrough. That is why Wembley might work quite nicely for Jim Mallinder's team. Traditionally in English sport, there has been no more neutral venue than the nation's most famous stadium and Northampton need to play on this fact and get that early 'away' win.
This game is being played at Wembley - it should be a special occasion.
MILES REPLIES: It is sure to be that - the first regular club rugby game to be played at the stadium. I worked at the new Wembley for the first time at the end of last year, commentating on the Barbarians versus Australia game and I really enjoyed the experience. It was a long time since I had been on the gantry there - in fact, I have to go back to my football commentating days in the early 1990's. Although I loved those Wembley towers, I have to say that the working environment and the stadium experience has changed for the better in so many ways. Let's just hope the pitch can take the scrums because that was a problem for the Wallaby game and a dangerous one too.
What do you think Brendan Venter brings to the Sarries side - apart from a bunch of South Africans?
MILES REPLIES: Venter is as determined a character as you could wish to meet. To say he is 'driven' is an understatement and, I will say it again, Saracens will be up for it this season and difficult to beat - that is guaranteed.
Talking about all the players Sarries have brought in, who do you think they will really miss?
MILES REPLIES: The props, Censcus Johnston, Nick Lloyd and Cobus Visagie, but they have bought well here and in Carlos Nieto they have a very reliable performer. Others like Rhys Gill and Frik Venter will be looking to make their names in the Premiership and someone like Richard Skuse is getting a new challenge and should be fresher for that. Also, Visagie is still involved with the club and I had the privilege of watching one of his scrummage training sessions this week - he could well help create a very effective unit. Having said that, London Irish got the better of the Saracens scrum last week as the game wore. Like all these things, at this time of the season, the Saracens' scrum is a work in early progress.
Finally, what do you make of Dylan Hartley as the new Saints' captain?
MILES REPLIES: "Don't know yet" is the honest answer and maybe Hartley doesn't even know himself. But, I have a gut feeling that he could be an inspired choice. As we all know, Hartley has had his problems with officials but you can't afford to be like that as captain, it is simply not an option. I have always felt that he has the 'X' Factor and that comment relates to his abilities and not his disciplinary record. He has some experienced players around him who will help but, most importantly, he has the backing of his coaching team who believe he is up to this. If he is, then it will not only be Northampton's gain but, quite probably, England's too.
Have yourself a great weekend of rugby!
