43 / 66
39
OPPOSITION
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MICHAEL RHODES
PETRUS DU PLESSIS
MARO ITOJE
Saracens didn’t recruit heavily in the off-season, but one of the
few fresh faces introduced to a settled squad in north London
has already made an instant impact. In his new surroundings
of Allianz Park, loose forward Michael Rhodes has instantly
become a fan favourite with his uncompromising and abrasive
style of play immediately endearing him to the Sarries faithful.
Signed from South African Super 15 side, Stormers, Rhodes has
also represented Western Province, The Sharks and the Lions
in his native South African Currie Cup tournament. A former
neighbour of Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves during their
time in Durban, Rhodes has seemlessly slotted into the Saracens
squad.
Saracen’s very own Mr Dependable arguably doesn’t receive
the plaudits his consistent performances warrant. A cornerstone
of Saracen’s strong set-piece, Petrus Du Plessis’ displays in
the Sarries number three jersey were key to the club’s Aviva
Premiership win last season.
The No3 shirt is possibly Saracen’s most competitive position
to fill. Australian Kieran Longbottom and the highly regarded
Argentine Juan Figallo are both vying for the spot, so is USA
World Cup star Titi Lamositele and Academy bolter Biyi Alo. Du
Plessis though has been in superb form once again this season.
His contribution in his side’s scrummaging performance against
a much-fancied Toulouse front-row will pay testament to that.
Saracens’ young forward was crowned an Aviva Premiership
champion in his breakthrough season with the club after he
captained the club to victory in the LV= Cup and Premiership
A-League success earlier in the season. A World Cup training
camp would follow an amazing season that also saw Itoje win an
England Saxons call-up.
The powerful 21-year old, who is equally adept in the back row
as he is at lock forward, has made a big impression so far in
the 2015/16 season. Itoje, alongside Will Fraser, Jamie George,
George Kruis, Jackson Wray and the Vunipola brothers is part of
an exciting set of youngsters that are currently packing down for
the Men in Black