Saracens ‘left with scars’ after record European defeat
Hooker George admits drubbing caused pain Return fixture presents chance for ‘atonement’
Saracens hooker Jamie George believes that Monday’s 46-14 record defeat by Clermont Auvergne will leave a “scar” on the defending European champions as they battle to stay in the tournament.
George intends to use the painful memory of such a drubbing to positive effect as Saracens head to France for the return Pool 2 fixture on Sunday at the Stade Marcel Michelin, as intimidating a venue as there is on the European circuit.
England’s most successful club of recent times find themselves in uncharted territory after suffering their sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run in 14 years. It was the manner as much as the measure of defeat that impacted on all concerned.
The famed Saracens “wolf pack” defence was rent asunder. George was one of those who missed tackles that were to prove costly. In all, 37 tackles were missed, a startling ledger of negativity. The Lions hooker has pledged to absorb that sense of disappointment and use it as a spur to a far more productive performance in the Auvergne.
“It hurts and, of course, it will [leave a scar],” said George who acknowledges that the indicator of Saracens’ response can only be measured by their standing at the end of the pool stages next month. “The way we respond to this is the most important thing now. In six weeks’ time, if we come away being proud of the performances we have put in since then, then we will feel a lot better.”
Saracens have been blighted by injury, with influential figures such as Billy Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Liam Williams all sidelined. Two more were lost on Monday as captain Brad Barritt was led off with a head knock in the third minute and scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth limping off later.
There is little doubt that a fullstrength Saracens side would punch its weight against any opposition but the issue is whether they will still be in the running for European honours when they have a full complement of players. To lose at home in Europe is usually the death knell of a team’s aspirations. Even though deflated by Monday’s experience, George is relishing Sunday’s assignment at the Stade Marcel Michelin, a chance for a measure of atonement.
“It is exciting,” said George. “We need a response from the way that we played. We are all disappointed. We need to have a collective look at our game and learn from that.
“We have got players who care about this club and, because we care about it we will put it right next Sunday. It is going to be a huge game.”