Saracens focused on challenge
Gaffney has men focused on Italian challenge
Saracens go into their clash with GRAN Parma on Sunday as one of the six sides in the European Challenge Cup to have won both their opening round fixtures, with wins against Glasgow and Narbonne respectively.
Director of rugby Alan Gaffney, whilst happy with their European progress so far, is warning there can be no complacency when GRAN Parma arrive at Vicarage Road on Sunday. Whilst Italian teams have been viewed as weaker opposition in the past this is not the case anymore, and Parma's results suggest they are a stronger side at home.
"We are expecting a tough two matches against Parma,” said Gaffney.
“Their two results in the competition so far suggest they may be a tougher prospect in Italy, but we won't be getting complacent and will treat them with respect.
“We are not going into the game expecting to come out of it with five points, we're just going to concentrate on doing our basics right and initially win the game."
However a bonus point victory at home would leave Saracens in a commanding position heading into the return fixture a week later and on the brink of qualifying from their pool with games in hand.
Saracens have been boosted by the return to action of England and Lions star Richard Hill as well as Glen Jackson extending his contract at Vicarage Road this week. Jackson is the leading points scorer in the European Challenge Cup so far this season, and will look to continue his impressive form over the coming weeks.
Gaffney is aware of the busy schedule coming up and will have to manage his squad carefully, but has promising youngsters Tom Mercey and Adam Powell to consider who have been performing well lately. Fabio Ongaro could also return to face his national colleagues including Carlo Festuccia, his main rival for the Azzurri hooker berth.
"A number of the guys did well last weekend and for some of them it was their first opportunity of the season,” said Gaffney.
“We were pleased with Hilly also and these guys, along with those who were rested last weekend, will be in the mix for the weekend. It's a busy time over the next few months with European and league games coming thick and fast, so we will have to manage the squad very carefully.
"We've watched a bit of Parma in action and they have a strong forward pack and backs who use the ball. They certainly showed at home to Narbonne that they are capable of putting in strong performances and that is something we must be aware of."
