Saracens aiming to cap rags to riches tale

Saracens coach Nigel Smith credits a remodelled game-plan and strong camaraderie as the keys to their resurgence in North Canterbury senior rugby.

The club, who were formed in 2006 from a merger between Rangiora and Southbrook, will play in their first final on Saturday, when they take on defending champions Ashley at Kaiapoi.

Saracens had a tough start to the year, losing their first five games in the combined country competition.

They have fared much better in the second half of the winter in North Canterbury, dropping just one game to Ashley [12-10] last month.

Saracens progressed through to their first final after overcoming Oxford 28-19 in last Saturday’s semifinal. Ashley snuck past Glenmark 9-5.

Saracens will look for loosehead prop Pete Manahi, captain and blindside flanker Josh Maynard and No8 Willy Kerr to lead the way for them up front.

Smith said they had been well served by Englishmen, hooker Jack Singleton and openside flanker Sam Smith, who are both in the academy of premiership club Worcester Warriors. First five Dion Jones is a veteran of Rangiora and Saracens rugby and will be an influential figure.

Containing Ashley first five Lance Taylor and 250-game veteran Andrew Dunbar in the midfield will be crucial for Saracens.

In the Ellesmere club final at Darfield, Waihora will be attempting to defend their crown against Southbridge.

Waihora have not been at their best, losing to Darfield, Lincoln and Southbridge in round play. They delivered when it mattered in last week’s semifinal, beating Lincoln 24-5.

Classy back Mark Maitland is playing again after a long-term knee injury and will guide the side from first five. Maitland was outstanding in Waihora’s semifinal victory.

Southbridge will be out for redemption after slipping up to Waihora 21-18 in last year’s final.