Premiership rugby 2024 play-offs: Who can reach the top four?

Six-times and defending champions Saracens know more than most teams how to peak in the Premiership at the right time.

Aside from the seasons they were relegated and in the Championship, Saracens have finished in the top four every campaign since 2008-09.

This season, however, has not seen them railroad through the league and the noise around captain Owen Farrell’s departure – and confirmation this week that Billy and Mako Vunipola will be following – has often detracted from the field.

But Saracens have looked formidable in recent games. A narrow win away to rivals Bath was a real statement of intent, before they showed their class to brush aside Bristol and claim another top-four spot, despite enduring 10 minutes down to 13 men.

“We’re playing our best rugby and probably have got our best team energy at the right time,” director of rugby Mark McCall told BBC Radio London.

If they beat Sale, Saracens will finish second. Even a loss might be enough, if Bath also do not win, although the score has to finish with them within three points of the Sharks.