Style of play

In every sense now the Aviva Premiership is the top league in the northern hemisphere. And in every sense Saracens set the standards, not just in the Premiership but also in the Champions Cup last season.

Especially impressive, though, was the way they evolved their playing style. So it will be interesting to see how other clubs take on the challenge of evolving their styles this season.

I still think Saracens will be the side to match both tactically and technically and that they will continue on the path that they have been taking, with a strong kicking game, a good power game and then the ability to break out into a higher pace offloading style.