Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby Cup match.
In the 2020/21 season, Saracens were in the Championship, fighting for promotion against Ealing Trailfinders. Unsurprisingly, the team with Owen Farrell successfully returned to the Premiership. Now, these familiar teams meet again.
Ealing Trailfinders
Since Saracens' promotion, Ealing Trailfinders have become the leading force in the Championship. Despite winning the second division, due to regulations set by the Premiership, they couldn’t even attempt to move up because their stadium holds half the required 10,000 capacity, and there isn't even a new project in sight. So, their fans will have to watch the nation's top clubs only when they compete in the Premiership Cup.
Saracens
Saracens remain one of the primary contenders for the title each season, having won the Premiership six times, most recently last year. Although they no longer have Owen Farrell and Mako and Billy Vunipola, Saracens continue to secure victories, though they occasionally slip. This season, they've had two such instances over six rounds, against Harlequins (10:17) and Leicester Tigers (29:32). Of course, many of their players have been called up to the England national team. Five of them will play today at Twickenham against the All Blacks, while Saracens' reserves will face the Championship's top team just a few kilometres from the national stadium.
Ealing Trailfinders vs Saracens Prediction
When Saracens were fighting for promotion back to the Premiership, they easily defeated Ealing Trailfinders in the final matches for the sole promotion spot: 60:0 away and 57:15 at home. At that time, they were highly motivated. The motivation remains, but less well-known players will feature, so such a margin might not occur. We believe the visitors will at least achieve a narrow win, so the bet is on them.
