Saracens’ supremacy under threat, says director of rugby Mark McCall

Saracens are one win away from securing a Champions Cup quarter-final place but, having lost their 12-game unbeaten run last weekend, know that top spot in Pool One will come under threat if they are beaten again tomorrow.

Ulster come to Allianz Park determined to earn their own last-eight slot, having put themselves back into the knockout stage picture with a remarkable comeback against Oyonnax last weekend. Trailing 23-0 at one stage in France, they recovered to record a memorable 24-23 win.

Sarries top Pool One — six points ahead of Ulster — and go to Toulouse in a week’s time, but director of rugby Mark McCall said: “We weren’t our normal selves against Harlequins and didn’t have our usual energy.

“It only takes fractions for that to happen and while were weren’t terrible, we were only okay. It was a valuable lesson. It’s not quite winner-takes-all against Ulster, but they become favourites to win the Pool if they beat us, so there is a lot at stake. We didn’t get much front-foot ball against Quins, but Owen Farrell has been brilliant this season and is playing as well as he has ever. He is attacking the line, making breaks and has been great defensively. There is a real balance to his game.”

Meanwhile, Harlequins can move a step closer a quarter-final place in the Challenge Cup on Sunday when they entertain Cardiff Blues at The Stoop. Wales centre Jamie Roberts will be up against his old club and is part of a powerful Quins side that features Chris Robshaw, Nick Easter and rising star Jack Clifford in the back row. Danny Care leads the team from scrum-half, with Nick Evans at No10 and Marland Yarde on the wing.