How England could harm Saracens' Heineken Cup campaign (From Enfield Independent)

Saracens boss Mark McCall admits England games could affect Heineken Cup games against Munster

8:30am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Director of rugby Mark McCall believes Saracens are in control of their pool but admits international fixtures could affect his team’s chances of finishing ahead of Munster.

The Men in Black sit top of their group with nine points, ahead of Munster in second with six.

But McCall’s team now face a double header against the Irish giants, who have reached the knockout stages every year since 1998.

And the Ulsterman insists his team still have work to do before they can start thinking about the quarter-finals.

“It’s dangerous to be complacent but the important thing is to get control of your group which we have,” the Saracens boss said.

“We’ve got the small matter of Munster back to back now and we know the tradition and the record that Munster have in this competition and that will be a massive test for us.”

An added obstacle for the Men in Black could also come from the international calendar which will see the likes of Owen Farrell play in England’s autumn fixtures just before the crucial double header against Munster.

And McCall admitted that fatigue and injuries could play a part.

“The Munster games will come on the back of four English internationals and whatever players we have playing against New Zealand the week before.

“So it’s going to be a tall order to front up against Munster the week after for those guys, whereas I don’t think Ireland have a game.”

England's last match is on December 1 against New Zealand whereas Ireland's final game is against Argentina on November 24.

How Saracens are affected

England fixtures

Saturday, November 10: England v Fiji

Saturday, November 17: England v Australia

Saturday, November 24: England v South Africa

December 1: England v New Zealand

Ireland fixtures

Saturday, November 10: Ireland v South Africa

Saturday, November 17: Ireland XV v Fiji

Saturday, November 24: Ireland v Argentina

Saracens fixtures

Friday, November 16: Sale Sharks (A)

Friday, November 23: Worcester Warriors (A)

Sunday, December 2: Gloucester (H)

Saturday, December 8: Munster (A)

Sunday, December 16: Munster (H)