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"I used to absolutely hate playing Saracens!" - Darren Cave on Champions Cup

Darren Cave believes that the tag of most hated team in rugby will suit Saracens this season, and...



Rugby

"I used to absolutely hate playing Saracens!" - Darren Cave on Champions Cup


Darren Cave believes that the tag of most hated team in rugby will suit Saracens this season, and says you can "never, ever write them off."

Cave joined Wednesday Night Rugby to discuss the upcoming Champions Cup fixtures, choosing the tie of the weekend as Munster v Saracens at Thomond Park.

It is not a game that Cave looked forward to, as he explained.

Saracens: the villains of the piece?

"You never, ever write Saracens off. They have a real siege mentality. I think all good sports team do, but them in particular.

"The more you write them off, the more you hate them, the more you call them cheaters and tell them their medals should be taken off them - it just builds something.

"I was unfortunate enough to have to play them four times in Europe and lost all four. I used hate playing against them. Absolutely hate it.

"I am fascinated by them this year, because I wouldn't be surprised if they finished in the top six. There is absolutely no chance they will get relegated.

"Now you have set the bar for them to go and get eighty points, they are capable of going and getting it."

As to what it was that Cave particularly hated about playing Sarries, he believes they are a "stingy" team to play against.

"The energy with which they used to get off the line in defence and chase kicks; it really is smothering.

"When I was playing, I used to love teams playing the classic 'drift' defence, they gave you time and try and push you towards the sideline.

"The more time I had on the ball, the more likely I was to make a good decision.

"When you're against Saracens, it is completely different gravy. An absolute war of men sprinting at you and they punish you for any mistakes.

As for this weekend's match, Cave came off the fence to say that he wants Munster to win. You can listen to the commentary of the match live on offtheball.com.

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