Double boost ahead of Sarries semi
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Saracens will have British & Irish Lions Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell back in contention to play against Clermont Auvergne in this weekend's European Rugby Champions Cup semifinal re-match.
Both men played in last season's record 46-6 romp against the Top 14 side at Twickenham, but were missing from the last gasp quarterfinal win over Racing Metro '92 in Paris.
Barritt returned to action in last weekend's Premiership home win over Leicester Tigers, while Farrell is fit to resume this week.
Even though Saracens annihilated Clermont in the semifinals last year, the season ended on a low point as they lost two finals in the space of eight days. Barritt, though, believes his side has learned a lot from that bitter experience.
"We were the runaways leaders of the Premiership last season, scoring more tries than anyone before and accumulating a record number of points. We knew we would have a home draw in the play-offs with three or four rounds to go," the Saracens centre said after the 22-6 win over Tigers.
"This time we have been more up and down and I would like to think we are showing our character and peaking at the right time. It was great to be back playing, and playing in front of our home crowd with all the support behind us.
"It was a tale of two halves – we had the wind against us in that first 40 minutes, but we held in there really well. We got some huge motivation and energy from that first try and in the second half we played some great rugby – it was a great way to build into next weekend."
Farrell hasn't played since he was injured playing against Clermont in round six of the pool stages, but he is said to be ready to return this week if required. He, like Barritt, will add extra bite to the back line.
Barritt has also revealed that this group of Saracens players are taking their inspiration for this season from an American basketball team, the San Antonio Spurs.
"We have a mantra to galvanise us: it is a matter of pounding the rock. It was born from the concept of what the San Antonio Spurs had done," said Barritt.
"They had obviously been quite disappointed in losing two NBA finals, and the third time they were able to keep at what they did and it turned out to be successful for them. We have taken a leaf out of that book, and hopefully it will spur us on this season.
"We keep pushing each other on, learning to get better. That is what has got us into this position and what will carry us on.
"Even in the final 20 minutes against Leicester, when we were well ahead, we kept them out and were courageous in defence. The coaches will have some tough selection decisions for the Clermont semifinal."
Having already picked up the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Saracens are looking to add the Champions Cup and Premiership trophies to their collection.
Source: @ChampionsCup
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