Saracens/Bedford Link continues

Sarries have announced the 10 young players who will be dual registered with Bedford for the 2012/13 season. While circumstances can change during the season, this is a clear indication that the players are a little way down the pecking order at Sarries - assuming all players are fit. While it is good that young players get to play matches rather than justtrain, it is a shame that players such as Kruis, Wray, Fraser and Short are not rated more highly by McCall. All 4 have played key roles for Sarries and would have been hoping to really push on and secure starting berths this season.

http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=7053


This is really good news for Bedford, even though some championship sides have indicated they are less keen on the system. Nottingham have spoken about reducing the number of tigers they take while Esher (now relegated) had bemoaned the impact of Quins recalling players during the season.

Is it good for Bedford though? The likes of Kruis and Wray may well spend more time with the Sarries first team than Bedford. An injury to any of Sarries three second rows and Kruis will be back in the starting 23. Bedford may not see many of those players (especially the forwards) if the Sarries injury problems continue.

I wonder whether Esher will be more selective in their DR intake. Ollie Smith is now head coach and should know exactly who he wants to take on loan from the Quins academy. Chris Chesney being their forwards coach is probably an inviting prospect as a mentor, he'll toughen them young forwards up in no time.

Yah strange, i rate Kruis ahead of Botha already

LondonTiger I think the biggest boost for Bedford is getting Luke Baldwin on loan for the season.

Really good exciting little scrum half IMO. Made a huge impact for them at the end of last season with some really strong displays.

Unfortunate not to get an opportunity for Saracens 1st team as he was injured at the wrong time leading to Ben Spencer emerging from out of the blue and supplanting as the scrum half young gun.

Shame for him as he's a scrum half more in the mould of a Simpson,Care,Youngs than a Dickson,Spencer or Wigglesworth.


One thing that interests me is that Jamie George is not dual signed.

I think Kruis is being seen as the replacement for Borthwick long term. Which makes sense as he looks good in the lineout and more athletic around the pitch. The young lock Hargreaves that's coming over from SA seems a more physical option so that could be a good back up combo that may be able to takeover the first team shirts in a year or two.

Beschocked I'd hope that George wasn't DR'd again. He seemed to be on the verge of breaking into the first team and to my mind offered more on the pitch than Smit (who I'm guessing is pretty inspirational off it). It also makes sense to keep your 3 hookers together and only focussing on one lineout.

Not much point I guess when Spurling is.

Sam I think with some of the players yes it is a good thing.

I agree Gowales. Kruis is certainly the future.

Also I would take Short over Strettle too.

The older players better start performing or their positions will be in peril.

Obviously I hope the youngsters are given more gametime for Saracens but if they aren't playing why not let them play for Bedford.



Scott Spurling could especially be very handy to Bedford too. He's a bit like a baby Brits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0aSXg2AHB4