Gloucester will be looking to inflict a first defeat on Saracens this season when they face off at the Allianz Park on Sunday afternoon.
Saracens v Gloucester Rugby
Sunday 23 September
Allianz Park
16:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Saracens 1/7
Draw 28/1
Gloucester 47/10
Alongside Exeter, the defending champions Sarries are the only side left unbeaten in the Premiership thus far. A triumvirate of bonus-point victories over Newcastle (21-32), Bristol (44-23) and Northampton (27-38) means that Mark McCall’s men have taken all 15-log points on offer over the past month.
In Gloucester, though, Saracens face undoubtedly their toughest test yet. Johan Ackermann’s side have won two and drawn one of their opening three games, but look a side hellbent on challenging for this season’s title and more.
Having signed a trio of Springbok-Lions in Franco Mostert, Ruan Dreyer and Jaco Kriel, Ackermann’s charges have certainly bolstered their ranks ahead of another gruelling campaign. Following their mediocre seventh-place finish in 2017-18, much more is expected from the Cherry and Whites this time around.
In fact, having qualified for the Champions Cup after their Challenge Cup final loss to the Cardiff Blues, Gloucester are now under huge pressure from their fan-base to consistently challenge the “big dogs” of the Premiership, and a win this weekend would go a long way to ensuring so.
Saracens, though, may have other plans. Playing in the safe confines of the Allianz, few would have expected them to go down to Gloucester at such a venue in the past. Indeed, this weekend’s game, easily the pick of the bunch, may have a big say as to who exactly will govern the pace of the competition’s front-runners.
Verdict: Saracens 1/7
With experience and a home crowd on their side, expect Saracens to maintain their undefeated record in the comp and give Gloucester their first real setback of the opening month.
