3:18pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Simon Mail
Ernst Joubert has warned his team-mates Saracens will find life tougher this year after coming within minutes of the Premiership crown.
The Men in Black pushed Leicester Tigers all the way in an enthralling final at Twickenham in May but, on the eve of their return for the season opener, Joubert knows Saracens are marked men.
The stand-in skipper said: "We had a great season but unfortunately the last four minutes went against us. It's in the past and it's a new season and a new squad and we've just got to start over again. I think we've got a brilliant squad but it's going to be harder.
"Finishing second in the Premiership sides will obviously be more wary of Saracens whereas in the past they didn't perhaps know what to expect. Your first season as a new bunch of guys is always the easiest one because people don't really know what to expect so they'll definitely be gunning for us. It's going to be tough for us but it's nice challenge."
Sarries have enjoyed a smooth pre-season and the number eight, who enjoyed an outstanding first season in England, has been particularly impressed with the new signings.
"I think the guys have done well and the preparation has been good," said the former Lions star. "The fact that it's basically been the same squad together also helps and after week two most of the set pieces were in place.
"The new guys have been great and settled in perfectly. It is a warm and family orientated group of guys and try make it easy for the new guys."
Saracens were criticised for their style of play during the first half of last season but they ended with a growing list of admirers after their free-flowing rugby took them to the brink of silverware. Joubert insists the law changes enabled them to adapt their style but believes their ability to mix up their game will aid them over the course of this season.
The 30-year-old said: "I think the reason we threw the ball around more is because of the law changes. In difficult conditions you have to slow the ball down and you will need to kick the ball but we played like that for the first three months last year so at least we have two different gameplans in our pocket now. If need be we can play either way."
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