Saracens’ hooker Jamie George said there’s a “good feeling in the camp” in preparation for their crunch semi-final face-off at home to Harlequins. 

Saturday will be their first appearance at the semi-final stage since 2019 and the StoneX Stadium will be rocking when they welcome defending champions Quins. 

Saracens are the favourites having only lost once at home in the Gallagher Premiership this campaign and not since 2017 have Harlequins emerged victorious from the StoneX. 

But long-serving forward George has said the squad is far from complacent in the lead up to the London derby.

He said: "Intensity of training has really improved and there’s a good feeling in the camp as generally these games tend to bring the best out in us. 

“This is something we’ve been aspiring to for the last 18 months. It’s where we want to be and it’s where we feel most comfortable.  

"We're aware of how important the game is, how much we want it and the history of the game. We’ve been building towards something, and now it’s time to show up.” 

And Elliot Daly, who will start at outside centre on Saturday, echoed the thoughts of his teammate. 

Daly said: “The change of attitude, you can feel it from the minute you walk in on Monday morning of a big game week.  

“It’s completely different from a normal game week. You can’t describe it. Everyone is on it, raring to go. 

“The club has been there and done it, which is brilliant, learning off the experiences of the likes of Owen, Jamie [George], the Vunipolas [Billy and Mako]. You can see them leading it. 

“The players have to drive it in these weeks. The coaches can only do so much. When you are on the pitch in a semi-final, the players are there, the coaches aren’t.” 

Earlier this week, Saracens’ Director of Rugby Mark McCall also showed respect for their opponents, who beat league leaders Bristol Bears in last year’s semi-final on their way to their second Premiership title.  

“Of course we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “We’re playing against the reigning champions and they’re a high-quality side. They’re better now than they were 12 months ago. 

“They’re littered with high quality players, but it’s something we’ve been wanting and looking forward to if you look back two and a half years and see where we’ll be this weekend.”