Saracens

Northampton versus Leicester and Saracens versus Harlequins – on paper they are two feisty matches in practice they were even better as over the course of 48 hours we witnessed the type of rugby that makes you proud to be a supporter.

Saracens powered on in relentless pursuit of a domestic and European double as they booked an Aviva Premiership final appointment with Northampton in two weeks' time.

Saracens' taskmaster coaches might have Billy Vunipola on a tight leash, but the England number eight admitted tough love from older brother Mako keeps him in line.

Owen Farrell says Saracens are determined to get "better and better" as they close in on a possible European and domestic trophy double.

After 22 rounds of electric action it is time for the semi-final knockouts... these two fixtures do not need a lengthy introduction as the word knockout says it all. It is sink or swim time for four giants of the Aviva Premiership and as spectators we are in for an almighty treat…

Chris Ashton is "back to his very best" and will force an England recall for the three-Test tour of New Zealand, according to Saracens boss Mark McCall.

Millfield rugby ace Tom Whiteley, the standout player at this year’s Rosslyn Park Sevens tournament, has backed-up the hype surrounding himself after signing a professional contract with Premiership leaders Saracens.

All five of the European Player of the Year nominees come from finalists Toulon and Saracens, with last year’s winner Wilkinson in contention.

England scrum half Danny Care believes that Saracens flyer Chris Ashton has propelled himself back into England contention after plundering the tries that have placed the London side on the brink of a first Heineken Cup crown.

Jacques Burger admits icing his problem knee eight times a day is "borderline stupid" as he staves off ligament damage that almost ended his career.

Rampant Saracens cruised into their first Heineken Cup final after crushing French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne in record-breaking fashion at Twickenham.

The Heineken Cup is undoubtedly the most prestigious competition in club rugby, in the Northern Hemisphere and now only four teams remain in the quest to be crowned the European Champions.

When Jacques Burger lines up in the Twickenham tunnel for Saracens' Heineken Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday, his thoughts may drift to exactly a year ago when he wondered if he would ever play rugby again.

Mako and Billy Vunipola's ball-carrying rampages have transformed Saracens into a "more complete side" in the last two years, according to Clermont hooker Benjamin Kayser.

Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens claimed a 23-18 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park with the home side snatching a vital bonus point in their battle against relegation.

Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens have been told that fly-half Owen Farrell should be back in training this with no serious damage to his foot.

Saracens are all but guaranteed of a home Aviva Premiership semi-final after seeing off a late Northampton comeback to win 28-24 at Allianz Park.

As Saracens captain Steve Borthwick prepares to make a record 263rd Aviva Premiership appearance, head coach Mark McCall has blasted the 'damaging' criticism he received as England skipper.

Saracens director of rugby will be playing it safe with England full-back Andy Goode, who was concussed during Saturday's Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Ulster.

A relieved Saracens head coach Mark McCall says Ulster deserve plenty of credit after his side won their Heineken Cup quarter-final 17-15 at Ravenhill.