HUGH VYVYAN was delighted with the way Saracens bounced back from last week's depressing first-leg defeat in Parma by putting the Italians to the sword on Sunday.

"It was pretty difficult conditions last week I think we showed today that we can play some pretty good rugby," said the captain. "I was really impressed with the way the forwards played and the backs finished things off with some nice tries.

"We had plenty of ball to use on an excellent pitch and I think we showed a lot of variety in our attacking game and scored some excellent tries."

Vyvyan was replaced at half-time on Sunday to ensure he is fresh for a season-defining month that begins with the visit of Newcastle Falcons in the Powergen Cup on Sunday.

"It's a big month for us and this was a good way to start," added the number eight. "We haven't had the most successful first half of the season but we are now in the quarter final of the European Shield, we have an opportunity next Sunday to get into the quarter-final of the Powergen Cup and then we have two important Premiership games that give us a good chance to climb up the table."

To read Vyvyan's thoughts on facing his former club and Jonny Wilkinson on Sunday, then don't miss Friday's edition of the Watford Observer.