O'Shea impressed by Sarries

Conor O'Shea believes Harlequins can give Saracens a run for their money
27 September 2013

Conor O'Shea readily accepts that Saracens have made an "exceptional" start to the new Aviva Premiership season.

The 2011 Premiership champions will arrive at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday for an appointment with Harlequins after reeling off successive bonus point victories against London Irish, Gloucester and Bath.

No club in Premiership history has launched a league campaign by claiming four successive points maximums, and Quins know they face an intense examination.

"Saracens have been exceptional," Quins rugby director O'Shea said.

"They have a massive, powerful pack and strength in depth. Now, they want to give their players freedom to play as well.

"But we are a good side, we're at home and are in a decent place ourselves. It's all about finishing in the top four at the end of the season."

Fly-half Stephen Myler will make his 200th appearance for Northampton in Friday night's home clash against Sale Sharks - and he has earned a glowing tribute from Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder.

"Stephen has been an outstanding player in my time at the club, and I am delighted for him in reaching a landmark like this," Mallinder said.

"In the professional era, when players move from club to club and have massive physical demands every week, hitting 200 appearances becomes even more special.

"I am particularly happy for Stephen that he gets to reach this landmark on home turf. He has been one of our key players over the last few years. He has served the Saints and our supporters well."

Sale show four changes after last Friday's 26-22 success against Wasps took a hefty toll.

Scrum-half Dwayne Peel (hamstring) and back-five forward James Gaskell (metatarsal) were both injured during the warm-up, while fly-half Nick Macleod (elbow) and number eight Josh Beaumont (knee) suffered injuries during the game.

Danny Cipriani wears the number 10 shirt in an otherwise unchanged back division, with switches up-front seeing opportunities for props Eifion Lewis Roberts and Vadim Cobilas, plus number eight Mark Easter.

Sale are bidding for back-to-back Premiership away wins for the first time in five years, but they have not triumphed at Franklin's Gardens since 2006.

Action at the Twickenham Stoop apart, Saturday's Premiership action features an Adams Park encounter between Wasps and Worcester - two clubs with no wins and just four losing bonus points between them this term - while Bath host London Irish.

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