Saracens v Ealing Trailfinders - Event Date: 22 May 2021 - 07 Jun 2021

If Ealing pull it off over two llegs - it will be a miracle.

This is not Exeter beating Bristol. Exeter had almost as much budget as Bristol at that point.

This isthe 2020 European Champions and I do not see how that team is costing much less than it did in 2020.  Will it comply with 2022 Premiership caps - who knows. They may need to let players go fo next season.

The Saracens side would beat Italy, Scotland or England and give Ireland or France a run for its money.

Ealing might have the largest budget in the Championship - but it is peanut in comparison.

Hoping for a first leg at Vallis Way so that there is still some interest in the second leg which I think may be on BT. 

For a closer match: 

1. Bobby De Wee will be back - he has an edge that will help keep the team from being overawed, and might just draw some silly penalties from Saracens. I think he'll fire up the team as well. He survived a shark attack, he can handle the wolfpack.

2. Fans - There aren't huge numbers, but I'd be surprised if there are less than 1500 Trailfinders fans to cheer them on, and to help keep Sir from being too one-sided.

3. Well rested - With the exception of a few players (Adam Korczyk, Alun Walker), Ealing should be at pretty much full strength with 3 weeks between matches. Some of the guys who turned out for the last game were pretty banged up, but desperate to play - not this time.

4. Less shock and awe - It looked like some of the players were a bit deferential to start the match, but got over it as time went on. I don't think we'll have that problem again.

5. Focus off the playoffs: Some of these players may be thinking about Lions matches.

Against a closer match:

1. Returning loanees: Saracens already had a ridiculously strong team (how are they under the cap), but they have Alex Goode back, and I believe that they'll get Lozowski back as well for the playoffs. Boo.

2. Can't think of anything else.

Honestly, I give Ealing about a one in five chance of pulling off the upset at home, and a one in fifty chance of taking the two legged playoff. It is utterly ridiculous that the team with the most Lions, and that can start a full 15 of capped internationals is playing in the Championship at all, but I'll still be there to cheer on the Trailfinders. Who knows, it could happen.

Having been a member for almost 40 years and in our 150th season I am astonished that we are in this position and involved in the playoff for who gains promotion to the Premiership.

I will be there with my best friends who both captained Ealing first team and who I played with in the first team for 15 years in the National leagues.

It is a shame that there will not be a full capacity crowd but the Ealing supporters will make themselves heard. To say I am looking forward to the encounter is an under statement and miracles do happen in sport !.