Have Saracens opened the door?
Saturday 28th May 2011 was a massive day for English rugby union and for the Aviva Premiership in particular. But was it the day that Leicester Tigers' unrelenting dominance was finally broken for good or was it just a blip for England's most successful side?
The fact that Saracens managed to overcome one of the largest hurdles in world rugby in the Tigers, shows that there are many more dimensions to the English top league than just pure Leicester dominance. Mark McCall's side certainly broke the mould this season through their unconventional style of play but they may well have changed the course of top flight English rugby with their 22-18 triumph at a sun-kissed Twickenham just a week and a half ago. Yet many experts and analysts believe that the destination of the Premiership trophy will not change on a regular basis and that 2011 is just a rarity with Leicester winning the title more often than not.
For sides like Saracens, Gloucester and Northampton Saints, overcoming seasoned winners like Leicester is a tough challenge and one that not many sides have been able to complete after a long and gruelling campaign. Indeed, Sarries are only the third side other than Leicester to have won the Premiership in thirteen years, after London Wasps and Sale Sharks. But this season, both Saracens and Gloucester have won silverware and Northampton have reached the Heineken Cup final. So is the tide turning?
The newly crowned champions of English rugby only seem to be getting stronger and stronger and with the signing of Charlie Hodgson to challenge Owen Farrell, it seems that the Vicarage Road outfit will be in an even better position to defend their title. Brendan Venter's departure in November looked like it might prove too big a mountain to climb for Saracens but they defied the odds to beat all comers and claim their first Premiership title. Described as "horribly boring but very clinical , Sarries are not worried about being popular, more about being successful, something that they can now claim to be.
Other teams are in hot pursuit of both Saracens and Leicester though. Gloucester have used the 2011 season to bring themselves out of the wilderness, reaching the Premiership semi-finals and also winning the LV Cup. If they can maintain their raw pace and power next season and combine it with their excellent home form at Kingsholm once more, then the Cherry and Whites could find a first league title coming their way very soon. Northampton Saints had a terrific season but just fell short at the final hurdles losing to Leicester and Leinster in the Premiership semi-final and the Heineken Cup final respectively. If they can add some more depth to their squad and if top players like Ben Foden and Chris Ashton can repeat their exploits from this season, then the Saints could see the trophy on its way to Franklins Gardens in May 2012.
So it seems the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership season will be a fascinating one with more than four sides in with a realistic chance of taking the crown. Leicester Tigers will want to assert their dominance once again and take back the trophy that has almost annually returned to Welford Road since it was created. However, Saracens will of course be looking to repeat their 2010/11 triumph and keep the Tigers off the top while Gloucester and Northampton will hope to make the final jump towards becoming Premiership champions after only just missing out this time around. Not forgetting that sides like Wasps, London Irish and Harlequins will also want to be in the mix and surprise a few of their doubters. Saracens' victory at Twickenham on 28th May has not just opened the door for them but also set up one of the most exciting Premiership seasons in living memory next time around.
