THE POINT OF THE NOBODY-CARES CUP

This Saturday sees a welcome break for the first team, and an even more welcome chance to play a game of meaningful, competitive rugby for the rest of the squad; so probably a win all round in the Cup-that-nobody-cares-about. Whether it will be a win for Sarries though is another matter. Just to recap, Sarries beat Quins in R1 but lost to Irish in R2. This leaves Sarries 3rd in Pool 3 on 5 points and Saints 4th on 2 points. Leaders Irish (10) & 2nd placed Quins (6) also play each other. After that the teams all play one of the teams in Pool 2 – in Sarries’ case Wasps - in 10 days time: a very unusual midweek game. Meanwhile there are 5 teams in Pool 1 so they all play each other. At least I think that’s what happens. The top 3 teams and the best runner up qualify for the semis.

What this means is that the chance of Sarries going through to the knock-out stages isn’t impossible but is unlikely and is dependent on other results elsewhere. So, something to play for then for whoever wears the Saracens’ black. Northampton’s chances of going through are even slimmer than Sarries’ so they too are likely to play an inexperienced team. The only question surrounds the fitness of Farrell and if he is fit, will he play (possibly off the bench) to get a bit of rugby under his belt or will Mark McCall wait until the big one next Saturday? History suggests probably the latter but you never know. Otherwise I don’t see McCall risking anyone who might be needed for the big games coming up, especially given the limited cover we have in certain positions (props especially).

So who turns out on Saturday is a bit of a lottery! Some of the Academy lads will almost certainly be required. The likes of Manu should get a start though, probably alongside Ruben de Haas. Obatoyinbo needs all the practice he can get at 15. With the internationals returning, there is more strength in depth in the backs so we may see Ben Harris & Rotimi Segun on the wings and Dom Morris in the centre with Brandon Jackson or Charlie Watson. We’re a bit short of front rowers so a good opportunity for the likes of Sam Crean, Theo Dan and someone at tighthead (as we’re down to Koch & Wainwright at the moment, maybe Zak Hill?) I assume Gareth Milasinovich has departed? The Academy may well also supply the locks – Ollie Stoneham & Cameron Boon maybe? As to the back row: I assume Reffell, Toby Knight and possibly Christie as he hasn’t had a much game time recently. At this rate we could be playing tag rugby by the time we name the bench!

Who wins? That probably depends on the strength of the opposition. But as nobody really cares, it’s a chance for us and the coaching team to watch our youngsters in a real game of rugby and see their progress first hand. Are any of these the Owen Farrells and Jamie Georges of tomorrow? That’s the real benefit of the Nobody Cares Cup.