#360rugby: Saracens building a dynasty

After displaying an unparalleled amount of focus to win all nine of their matches in the European Cup, it comes as little surprise that Saracens are already back in training for their Premiership semi-final with Leicester Tigers.

Most teams would be forgiven for indulging a little longer in such an achievement, but for Saracens a plateau in their performance is strictly off the menu.

The Londoners are hoping to learn from Toulon’s mistakes, who claimed a solitary Top 14 triumph during a run of three-consecutive European Cup wins (including two losses in the final).

With a network of feeder clubs spanning the globe, significant financial backing, a roster of home-grown stars and a consistent level of performance at the top level, Saracens are club rugby’s new superpower.

In many ways this group could be considered a European hybrid. Mark McCall’s men combine the wealth and glamour of French rugby, the attacking flair of the Irish provinces and the resolute defence and strong set piece that is indicative of English club rugby.

Ten-time champions Leicester are a rejuvenated team with Manu Tuilangi back in midfield, but while Saracens look this fresh and hungry, it is hard not to see the European Champions take this one.

MCCALL JUMPS AHEAD OF O’SHEA IN RACE FOR IRELAND JOB

With Joe Schmidt seemingly in a three-horse race with Warren Gatland and Wayne Smith to become Steve Hanson’s All Blacks successor, the queue has already started forming for the Ireland role.

Conor O’Shea cut his coaching teeth in England’s Premiership and with sixteen years experience under his belt (including an impressive victory with Harlequins) it looked as if the Italy-bound coach was in the driving seat.

However Quins have regressed slightly over the past three seasons and his team’s resounding loss in the Challenge Cup final on Friday, coupled to Saracens’ thumping win in main competition has put another Irishman in Mark McCall firmly in the frame.

The IRFU typically like to employ a coach that has been in charge of one of the Irish provincial teams and McCall, having coached Ireland ‘A’ and Ulster, has another advantage over O’Shea.

Only time will tell whether O’Shea’s move to sinking ship Italy over an Irish province was a good decision, but one guarantee is that Ireland will not lack for strong alternatives once Schmidt moves on.

FORD DISMISSAL HIGHILGHTS LEAGUE DEBATE ONCE MORE

After failing to build upon last season’s Premiership final appearance, Bath have wielded the axe and coach Mike Ford is the man left to shoulder the blame for 2016’s disappointing eighth-place finish.

This ‘mutual parting’ brings back into focus the question over whether league coaches can successfully lead union teams.

It is understandable that Ford has had some success as specialist defence coach with Saracens and England as the principles behind defending in both sports are identical.

But a head coach is responsible for developing his team’s strategy and game plan across all areas of play, which is almost an impossible task for anyone that has not played that sport at a very high level. While Ford was undoubtedly successful last year, perhaps it is this lack of union experience that meant Bath were unable to keep evolving.

Eddie Jones moved very quickly to remove Andy Farrell from the England coaching set up for similar reasons and perhaps it is time for union chiefs to install experts from within and stop gambling with league converts.

HART TO ADD VALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO UAE NATIONAL TEAM

Paul Hart may be approaching 40 but his selection for Apollo Perelini’s UAE team competing in the Asia Rugby Championship this week proves there’s still plenty of life left in the old dog yet.

However, the Jebel Ali Dragons forward is feeling fresh and fit as the UAE look to gain promotion to the ARC’s Division I, and has brushed off any suggestions this could be his swansong.

“I’m still really enjoying it, I’m still being selected for the UAE and Dragons, so there’s no reason to quit. Until someone younger and better comes along and knocks me off I’ll continue,” said Hart.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Division II semi-final encounter with Uzbekistan, Hart feels former dual code international Perelini has selected a good balance of youth and experience.

“Myself and Ed Lewsey are the two old boys. I think we’ve got to offer the younger lads,” added Hart.

“There’s very much a business-like feel to this tour. Everyone’s delighted to be selected, but we’ve all decided as a squad the hard work starts now and we’re committed to winning this division and being promoted.

EXTRA TIME

With a place in the Olympics at stake it comes as little surprise that this year’s World Sevens Series has been the most thrilling yet. Nowhere is this better exemplified than at last weekend’s Paris Sevens where Canada’s Adam Zaruba pulled off one of the finest pieces of skill you will ever see on a rugby pitch.