Maitland: I’ll have to play well for Sarries to keep my Scots place

SEAN Maitland already has the Irish firmly in his sights as he approaches a crucial phase in his hopes of enjoying a memorable season with club and country.

The 28-year-old back is gearing himself up for a sparkling Six Nations display, aiming to maintain the high level of performance and try-scoring prowess he demonstrated at the back end of 2016.

The Saracens star is well aware that if he takes his foot off the gas for just a split second he could find himself back on the bench.

Maitland scored the crucial try in November’s win over Argentina and has played a major role in Sarries’ impressive campaign so far as the London club bid to repeat last season’s Premiership and Champions Cup double.

His switch to Allianz Park from relegated London Irish this year has proved highly successful and now he is focusing on Six Nations glory.

He said: “We have Ireland first up at Murrayfield and that’s going to be massive for us. It’s always a special game and the fans will certainly be up for that one.

“We have had a habit of starting the Six Nations slowly but if we are going to do well in this year’s Championship we need to make sure we are fully fired up for that one.

“If I want to be involved in that game I need to keep playing well for Sarries from now to when the squad is picked. Nothing is certain, even though I scored against Argentina.

“I couldn’t be at a better club right now to put myself up for selection with Scotland. I feel very much at home at Sarries which is just one big family and things are going pretty well on the pitch in both the Premiership and Champions Cup.”

Maitland, right, added: “I’m really enjoying my rugby and, at 28, feel I am reaching my peak.

“Playing behind such a great pack of forwards as the one we have at Sarries certainly helps. There’s also a lot of quality in the back three so competition for places keeps you on your toes.

“You are allowed to really express yourself here and that suits my style. I enjoy scoring tries so it’s been good to get a few for club and country recently. We’ve had a few ugly wins but it just shows we can

still pick up the points when we are not playing so well.

“Playing alongside so many internationals at Sarries makes it an easier transition when I play for Scotland. Also, the quality of rugby between the Champions Cup and internationals is small.

“The Six Nations is going to be very exciting and it looks very open as well. England have won 14 on the bounce and will be one of the favourites, although they have now lost a few big players. They have more depth in their squad than us to pick from so it’s important we get to the Championship without too many players getting injured.

“But our performances during the autumn have shown we are in a decent place right now, and are capable of doing very well in the Six Nations.

“If we could get a win in the opening game then it would certainly set us up for the rest of the tournament. Wales and Italy also come to Murrayfield so to have three home games

should benefit us.”