Schalk Brits insists Saracens can get their kicks just like the South Africans

Chris Jones
5 Oct 2009

Schalk Brits today revealed Saracens are using world champions South Africa as the template for their bid to land a first Guinness Premiership title.

Sarries beat Newcastle 22-15 yesterday to maintain the only 100 per cent record in the league with five wins from five games.

Brits ensured victory with a crucial last-minute turnover as Newcastle pressed for a try and the hooker then defended the team's kickingdominated game plan that has been criticised by their own fans.

The former Springbok hooker said: "South Africa have shown how to play in the opposition half and if you do it well, then you are very difficult to play against.

"Did I believe at the start of the season we would be top after five games? Yes, I did because of the players and coaches we have at this club and everyone has bought into the same vision.

"We are all prepared to make a sacrifice for this team and that makes it so good. We know that display wasn't anywhere near our full potential. We played badly but ground out a win and with our kicking game, we can take the pressure off and it's about generating momentum. The more the team gels, the more we will attack."

Wings Richard Haughton and Chris Wyles plus Derick Hougaard scored the tries as Newcastle were finally subdued by a Sarries defence that is the bedrock of their current success - allied to astute tactical kicking.

Director of rugby Brendan Venter agreed with Brits there is more to come from the side. He said: "Some of our real stars were not on fire and the most rewarding thing for me, was that we can go out and win when we are not playing well."

The win was achieved without captain Steve Borthwick, who has an eye injury but is expected back in a fortnight.

London Wasps' Lachlan Mitchell was admitted to Stoke Mandeville Hospital after his trysaving tackle in the 20-15 win over Northampton left him with a neck injury. However, the full-back was released from hospital last night and although he will continue to be monitored by the Wasps medical staff, the verdict is encouraging with no serious injury.

There is, however, concern about Danny Cipriani who damaged a knee in the win which keeps Wasps in third place in the Premiership. Cipriani will be assessed by the medical staff today in an effort to determine how long he may have to rest the leg.

With two rounds of Amlin Challenge Cup rugby on the schedule, Wasps can afford to leave Cipriani out of the squad. London Irish are still waiting to discover how long they will be without wing Adam Thompstone, who broke his ankle in the 11-8 victory over Sale on Friday.

Thompstone is understood to require a plate and screws to deal with the fractures and will miss the rest of the season.

Nick Easter's late try secured Harlequins their first win of the season when they beat Bath 13-11, giving the club a much needed confidence boost before facing Cardiff in the Heineken Cup.