Comebacks, fly-hacks and cornrows - Prem talking points
Old names, new looks and some stunning scores marked the return of the Prem for another season.
Brendan Venter, Saracens' returning director of rugby, addressed his team at their St Albans training ground, emphasizing his desire to dominate the league rather than merely compete. Despite being short-handed due to injuries and a red card, Saracens secured a thrilling 40-38 victory over Leicester in their opening match. Ben Earl attributed their resilience to improved mental fortitude, stating they worked extensively on their ability to endure setbacks and maintain focus.
The club has consistently amassed the most regular-season points in the Premiership over the past five seasons, but their recent inconsistency has been evident, missing out on play-offs in the past two years. This year, they bolstered their roster with promising young talent and experienced signings. Venter's strategic blend of new and established players could potentially propel Saracens to new heights.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
