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Jones happy with improvement

Monday 01st December 2008

Building up: Jones happy with academy stars

Saracens boss Eddie Jones has paid tribute to his players after an improved performance lifted their domestic spirits before the European period.

The Director of Rugby watched as his side defeated Worcester 23-6 at Vicarage Road with tries from Kameli Ratuvou, Glen Jackson and Brad Barritt seeing them home at the weekend.

"We played reasonably well but we didn't convert our pressure into enough points," said Jones, speaking to the club's official website.

"But it was a much better performance all round. Not to concede a try against a side that came to us on the back of two good wins was also very pleasing.

"We've conceded six tries in our last two games and when we were under pressure against Worcester, we held firm.

"Against London Irish last week, we probably had just as much possession but we didn't convert it into points. Having some of our internationals back [on Sunday] helped us and they probably gave us the composure that we've been missing in recent weeks.

"It was also really pleasing to see the young guys do so well," added Jones, regarding Noah Cato, Andy Saull, Adam Powell and man-of-the-match Alex Goode.

"These are four guys from our academy and it's really good to see them playing regularly and coming through. Goode is starting to develop some good skills and I thought Saull was very good against a guy in Pat Sanderson who has played test rugby for England."

And with USA international Chris Wyles close to returning from Sevens duty, Richard Haughton also nearing full fitness from injury and all of the squad putting their hands up for starts, Jones is set to face some tough selection decisions over the coming weeks..

"When I took over I said to the squad that in every position, I wanted three quality players," he added.

"We're starting to get that now across the pitch and now it's down to a straight competition amongst the players. We want that depth because teams who win championships have that."