Mark McCall is calling on his Saracens side to find a higher level of consistency – despite heading into the European break top of the Premiership table.

A delighted McCall watched on as Saracens stole the march on Wasps with a 38-19 victory at Allianz Park on Sunday, with hooker Jamie George the man of the moment recording the first hat-trick of his career.

Now the No.2 is preparing to face off with England captain Dylan Hartley next Sunday, a head-to-head dual which could determine who gets the nod in Eddie Jones’ international plans.

But for director of rugby McCall, the focus is on the entire side and hitting their stride for the full 80 minutes – particularly with a European Champions Cup crown to defend.

“We’ve been a bit patchy all year to be honest,” he admitted.

“There have been moments when we have looked really good and then moments when we have looked average.

“I think the first 20 or 25 minutes of the game really summed up our season so far. 

"We've had plenty of great play – brilliant lead up play. But we could have scored two or three more tries. We lost crucial breakdowns.

“Trying to be more consistent over the course of a game is an important thing for us.

“Jamie was good around the park. He made a lot of half-breaks and showed a lot of attacking ability during the game so we are really pleased to see him do so well.”

Saracens travel to Premiership rivals Northampton Saints in the first of their Champions Cup pool clashes next Sunday, with the visit of Welsh side Ospreys next on the agenda for a side who seem to relish being among Europe’s elite.

Last year saw them become just the fourth team to retain the Champions Cup, though fly-half and England international Owen Farrell is a doubt after being withdrawn from the Wasps clash at the last minute.