Red Bulls to relish Kingston Park sell out

Saracens are the first visitors to Kingston Park as The Gallagher Prem gets underway tomorrow night.

I think that Steve Diamond will look to target all home games as winnable and there wouldn't be a better way than to start with a win over a Saracens team who maybe felt they under performed last season. As a club they'll turn up wanting to put a statement down that they're back. All in all it'll make for an interesting night of rugby in front of a sold out Kingston Park!

Saracens

As I've said, last season they may feel in the Saracens camp that they under performed, they do set the standard high down in north London. In fairness to Saracens, it's such a tight league that you could quite easily finish fourth or maybe this season tenth in your form goes at the wrong time.

With Owen Farrell back from a season in France, it feels like they have their driver and heartbeat of the club back. Could that be the key change needed to mount a challenge for a top four finish?

They've still named a strong looking squad despite the likes of Itoje and Earl missing out. Owen Farrell is straight into the squad and starts at inside centre. The pack is full of experience including one of the many rumoured to Red Bulls in Tom Willis at number eight. One to keep an eye on if he gets on from the bench is live wire youngster Noah Caluori.

Red Bulls

The signs were promising against Harlequins given it was a first run out with a few new names getting some game time. But this will be a step up as the league starts. Given a lot of teams put out second string teams in The Prem Cup last weekend, I don't see a lack of a Red Bulls fixture as too much of an issue. Although I'm sure it may have been preferable to give some players more game time.

Now the first game is done with under Red Bull, fans know what to expect and now it will be up to the fans to get behind the team for the full eighty. It got a bit stale in the second half against Harlequins, not helped by the weather and the stop-start nature of the second half with injuries causing delays.

Steve Diamond names his side with a debut at fullback for South African Boeta Chamberlain. Max Clark will look to continue on from his impressive outing in the centres against Harlequins. Alex Hearle switches to the wing, given how secure he was under the high ball against Harlequins that might be handy. Oscar Usher has earnt his start against Saracens and will be excited to go up against this Saracens pack. I really like this back row of Neild, Gordon and Mafi, they could do a great shift on the doors in the Bigg Market too!

The bench includes Freddie Clarke the summer arrival from Gloucester and a 6-2 split, I expect Red Bulls to take this to Saracens physically. They'll maybe try and ruffle a few Saracens feathers and get in their faces. In the words of Steve Diamond, maybe even some legal violence!

Can Red Bulls get the victory?

This is a strong Sarries side despite those missing, but with the feel good factor of Red Bull in full flow then Red Bulls can take a victory here. Expect physicality and an entertaining night of rugby at Kingston Park!