Schalk Burger insists that playing a weakened team in the Investec Champions Cup will ‘hurt a hell of a lot’ for Saracens, but fellow ex-Springbok Robbie Fleck was rather more scathing.
Burger is a former Sarries star having been part of the European triumphs in both 2017 and 2019, but he was asked on the Boks Office podcast about their decision to field a weakened team for the last-16 clash.
Director of rugby Mark McCall announced following their Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers that they would be resting their England stars for their game with Toulon at the Stade Mayol.
Harlequins criticise Saracens
It is a move which has received criticism, with Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson calling it ‘disrespectful’ for any team not fielding their best available side in the Champions Cup.
“That will hurt a hell of a lot. It’s probably just the reality that they don’t have the squad they used to have at one stage,” Burger said.
“They’re obviously feeling the pressure in that Prem chase. In the Prem, finishing in the top two is so important and to make the play-offs is quite tricky there.
“That would be a big call for a place like Saracens. They would still like to compete the best they can but not taking your best squad, it’s something that’s unheard of.”
The decision is particularly surprising given Sarries’ past results in the Champions Cup having claimed the title on three occasions – in 2016, 2017 and 2019.
They are considered genuine giants of the European game, with only Toulouse and Leinster winning it on more occasions, but the English outfit have opted to send an understrength side to France.
Premiership over the Champions Cup
McCall is putting their domestic ambitions above their continental hopes as they reside in sixth position in the Premiership, two points behind fourth place Gloucester.
Former Springbok Fleck is unimpressed, however, and expects far more from a side who have been so successful in Europe in the past.
“They’ve won it three times and surely you’ve got to honour that,” he said.
“It’s hugely disappointing. I’ve stated before, I think it’s the best competition in the world right now and there’s so much history behind it. There are legacy teams and players coming out of it.
“A team like Saracens with all the history and the success that they’ve had in it, surely they should respect the competition and send their best available team to go and win this competition.
“Sarries certainly have the squad that can do that. It’s a bit disappointing that they’re not honouring the competition as it should be.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/schalk-burger-weighs-into-saracens-disrespect-as-ex-springboks-star-slams-english-side-for-dishonouring-champions-cup
