Andy Christie feels Saracens‘ big-game experience is invaluable ahead of Harlequins‘ visit in Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership semi-final.
Speaking to The Rugby Paper Podcast, the Scotland back-rower said: “I think those characters (with big-game experience) are valuable every single week.
“In the last few seasons when we have got to these big games, you see how these guys step up a level and training gets a lot more intense. There’s a bit more to everything we do.”
Following a year in the Championship, Saracens have once again impressed in the Premiership, securing a second-place finish by the end of April.
For a star-studded Sarries side, Christie admits that many in the group found the year of second-tier rugby incredibly difficult.
He said: “Dropping down to the Championship for some lads in the group was terrible. It was really tough. For the club too, it was really tough.”
However, Christie felt that a year in the Championship was a “great thing” for his game. It allowed him to gain valuable minutes – which he has reaped the rewards of this year after winning his first Scotland cap during the Six Nations.
Despite the hardships for many in the Saracens side, Christie felt there were some positives from the campaign that has benefitted them this season.
“I also think it has brought us closer together as a group,” said Christie.
“There are away trips to places like Doncaster and long buses back where you start to know lads a lot better on those types of journeys.
“So, a big focus for us in the Championship was making the most out of it in terms of how we could get tighter as a group.
“You’re seeing that now this season. The group we have, everybody is fighting for each other and fighting towards the same common goal which is to win the Premiership.”
This Saturday, Saracens know that victory against champions Harlequins means they are one game away from winning the Premiership crown in their first season back in the top flight.
“Whenever you play any team you can’t be naive going into it. With Quins, you know they come with surprises like quick line-outs and quick taps – everyone knows that about them. Ultimately, stopping it is a different thing.”
However, Christie is wary of Quins’ comeback quality, saying: “They don’t die, they don’t go away. It is a massive challenge. You can be up 20 points at halftime but know the game is not done. Which is also exciting as it means we have to bring out a proper performance from us.”
Andy Christie was speaking on Episode Eighteen of The Rugby Paper Podcast with host Oliver Little and TRP’s Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock.
The Rugby Paper Podcast is available to download or stream on Apple, Spotify, Google and Amazon.
