Saracens contemplate a European backlash after domestic troubles | Paul Rees


The Champions Cup holders have lost three consecutive Premiership matches for the first time since 2010 – Clermont should expect a reaction this weekend

In order to improve the mind, we ought less to learn, than to contemplate. So wrote René Descartes, the 17th-century French philosopher Saracens players have become used to discussing in a group organised by the club’s psychologist, David Jones, as part of the club’s team-building ethos.

There will be contemplation aplenty at Allianz Park after the defeat at Harlequins last Sunday meant the European Champions Cup holders had lost three consecutive Premiership matches for the first time since 2010, the season they made their breakthrough after years of inconsistency.

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