Mark McCall has advised Racing Métro to beware “the two best finishers in England” in Sunday’s European Champions Cup quarter-final in Paris. Chris Ashton and David Strettle are in prolific form for Saracens and the director of rugby believes the 28-year-old Ashton could yet make England’s squad for the World Cup.
Ashton has not played for England since last summer’s tour to New Zealand but, having seen him score two tries against Harlequins at Wembley, McCall feels his wing is now a more complete player. “I think he is better now than he was when he was last playing for England. He’s gone away and done the things they asked him to do … his defence is at a different level from where it was 12 months ago. I’m sure he will be there or thereabouts for the World Cup.”
Ashton and Strettle have already scored six tries between them in this season’s European pool games and, despite Stuart Lancaster’s preference for Anthony Watson and Jack Nowell, McCall anticipates another top-class double act against Racing, whose Argentinian wing Juan Imhoff has also been electric this season with five tries.
“I think we’ve got the two best finishers in England,” McCall said. “We’ve only got to give them half an opportunity – or in Ashton’s case at the weekend hardly any opportunity at all. They’re both on top of their game.”
Saracens have also been boosted by the return to fitness of the South Africa hooker Schalk Brits, who is in line for a place in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering knee ligament damage in October. It was feared Brits would be out for at least another month but McCall says he has made a remarkable recovery. “He is miles ahead of schedule which is a tribute to the medical team. He’s also a determined and competitive bloke and he’s always had this game as a target.”
The Saracens captain, Alistair Hargreaves, will also be in contention to face Racing if he passes the necessary concussion protocols, while Scotland’s Jim Hamilton is also available. Brad Barritt will have to wait a little longer for his latest comeback from injury. “We’re not going to push it because we have some important games left this season,” said McCall, hinting that the England centre would not be back for at least another week.
Ulster’s Nick Williams will be sidelined for rather longer, having been banned for eight weeks for striking Cardiff Blues’ Rhys Patchell. Despite receiving a reduced suspension because of his previously good disciplinary record, the back-row forward will not be allowed to play again until 1 September, his suspension also incorporating two pre-season games.
More encouraging long-term news for Ulster is the signing of the All Black wing Charles Piutau on a two-year contract. Piutau, 23, will not be arriving in Belfast until July 2016 as he looks to secure a place in his country’s World Cup squad. The former New Zealand full-back Mils Muliaina is leaving Connacht this summer to join the Italian side Zebre. Muliaina, now 34, played in 100 Tests for the All Blacks.
