Today at 05:23 PM
Sunday was one of the most cat and mouse games of rugby I have ever watched. On arrival at Welford Road, drink in hand (alas only a Pepsi Max I’m afraid, I was driving to and from Leicester that day). We ended up watching the Tigers players walk over to the main stand from the adjacent hotel, and I feel one could be forgiven that this occasion held a bit more meaning for the supporters. I was attending the match with a good pal of mine who is a neutral/slight Saracens fan, and he seemed fascinated on the matchup between the backrows with the experience of Reffell, Cracknell and Wainwright against the bulk and power of Isiekwe, Barbeary and JMG. Mako v Marcus was also going to be interesting.What was clear was that there was genuine passion out there from both teams and sets of fans alike. Welford Road holds a special place in my heart, having visited numerous times years ago before the North stand (Pharmacy 2U, Holland and Barrett stand or whoever sponsors it) was built. I have been to Welford Road since 2009 but only in 2013 and then more recently 2023. All the same, the Welford road atmosphere is just as intimidating and noisy as it ever was, some things never change. That and the Crumbie terrace always being packed to the rafters. If the 2026-27 Gallagher Premiership was looking for a statement opening weekend, it got one. Somehow after a red card, TMO’s, numerous players unfortunately injured and Ben Earl in the centres, Saracens somehow coming out the right side of it all. I think we can believe the rebuild is going roughly to plan. | TheSaracens.com : Unofficial Saracens news, views and message boards.
