Premiership Women's Rugby: Marlie Packer explains Saracens 'difference' as they chase title - 'Growing each week'
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Published 22/12/2023 at 18:40 GMT
The Premiership Women's Rugby champions are hard to call a few weeks into the season, with Saracens currently leading the way after a perfect start. Co-captain Marlie Packer believes Sarries are "growing each week" and have improved from last term as they look to seize the crown off Gloucester-Hartpury. Sarries host Bristol Bears on Saturday, December 23, live on TNT Sports.
Saracens' Marlie Packer during the Allianz Premier 15s Semi-Final match between Exeter Chiefs Women and Saracens Women at Sandy Park on June 11, 2023 in Exeter, England
Image credit: Getty Images
Marlie Packer says Saracens have improved on last season by “growing on and off the pitch” every week in their bid to claim the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby title.
Sarries welcome Bristol Bears to the StoneX Stadium on Saturday, December 23, live on TNT Sports, in a battle between first and third.
Co-captain Packer and her team-mates have got off to a perfect start to 2023-24, winning four out of four so far, but she is expecting a big challenge when The Bears come to town.
"For us, the season has started really well,” Packer said after being named at openside flanker for the clash in London.
“Each week, we've been growing on and off the pitch. That's been the difference from last season and it's been paying dividends on the pitch so far.
“Bristol are going to be a really tough side, but we need to stick to our processes and bring the tempo to the game when we want to bring it.
“We need to make sure we manage it, but it's going to be a really exciting occasion."
Saracens director of rugby Alex Austerberry has made several changes to his side for the game, with hooker May Campbell, locks Rosie Galligan and Georgia Evans, Packer and Poppy Cleall returning to the pack.
Coreen Grant also comes into the side in the back division, starting on the wing, while there is a 6-2 split on the bench as Sarries look to finish the year on a high ahead of a Christmas break.
"There's nothing like having a home game with that crowd in behind us. With it being a few days out from Christmas, it's going to be really special,” Packer added.
“I know the whole team are really looking forward to it, but we've got to take care of business on the field and look to finish the year in a positive way."
Bristol Bears boss Dave Ward also made changes following his side’s 41-17 win over Trailfinders last time out, recalling a front row of England internationals Sarah Bern, Lark Atkin-Davies and Hannah Botterman.
Gabriella Nigrelli comes in at blindside flanker to make up a back row with Evie Gallagher and Rownita Marston-Mulhearn, while Ella Lovibond moves to full-back and Deborah Wills comes in on the wing.
“Taking on top of the table on their own patch is obviously a huge challenge for us, but we’re excited by it,” Ward said.
“We’re off the back of two good wins and performances but know we need to take it to another level against Saracens on Saturday.”
How to watch Saracens Women v Bristol Bears Women live on TNT Sports and discovery+
The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
Coverage of Saracens Womens v Bristol Bears Women starts at 12.15 UK time on TNT Sports 2, with kick-off at 12:30.
You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
ALLIANZ PREMIERSHIP WOMEN'S RUGBY MATCHES COMING UP ON TNT SPORTS IN 2023-24
- Saturday, December 23: Saracens v Bristol Bears - 12:30
- Saturday, December 30: Harlequins v Gloucester-Hartpury - 14:30
- Sunday, January 7: Exeter Chiefs v Trailfinders Women - 12:30
- Saturday, January 13: Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears - 13:00
- Saturday, January 20: Loughborough Lightning v Trailfinders Women - 14:00
- Sunday, February 4: Harlequins v Sale Sharks - 15:00
- Saturday, February 10: Saracens v Harlequins - 12:30
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TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
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