News

White backs Sarries for success

Friday 28th November 2008

Dynamic duo: Jake White and Eddie Jones

World Cup-winning coach Jake White has tipped Saracens for success after joining them on a consultancy basis this week.

White, who led South Africa to World Cup glory last autumn with Saracens director of rugby Eddie Jones among his staff, has linked up with his old friend again.

White took the players in a defensive session ahead of Sunday's home match against Worcester and liked what he saw.

"It's great to be out on the pitch again and I've really enjoyed being with what are a very hard-working bunch of players," he told the club's official website.

"Eddie has assembled a very good squad and put in place some excellent structures and I'm just here to see if I can assist with anything I can.

"This group at Saracens are very exciting and I've also been impressed with the likes of Adam Powell, Noah Cato and Andy Saull, who have developed well under Eddie this season.

"These guys are the future of Saracens and it's important that they and more like them continue to come through the system."

After two Guinness Premiership defeats in a row, Jones is hoping White can provide the inspiration to help Sarries move up from their current mid-table position.

"He attended the game against London Irish at the weekend and he was able to pick up a few things in terms of our defensive structure and we've asked him to work with the players on it this week," said Jones.

"When you are coaching full time, it's very easy to get lost in everything and miss certain aspects so having someone like Jake come in is a great benefit."

Saracens welcome back internationals Matias Aguero, Fabio Ongaro and Kameli Ratuvou to their starting line-up but hooker Matt Cairns has been ruled out for six weeks with a broken wrist.

In contrast to Saracens, Worcester are looking to make it a hat-trick of league wins following victories over Newcastle and Sale.

But coach Mike Ruddock is expecting a response from Jones' side at Vicarage Road.

"It would be nice if we could get a win but we expect it to be tough. Saracens have lost their last couple of games and so we expect a pretty severe backlash on their home soil," he told his club's official website.

Ruddock's plans have been affected by the news fly-half Matthew Jones (foot) and full-back Chris Latham (knee) will both miss the trip to the capital, although Rico Gear returns on the wing.

"That tips the scales in their favour and we will go as underdogs, but that suits us and I'm sure the boys will give a very good account of themselves," Ruddock added.