It's win or go home now, says Christie

AS an Arsenal fan, scoring and being on the winning side at Spurs’ stadium last weekend was particularly sweet for Saracens flanker Andy Christie. 

- JON NEWCOMBE

The 36-24 victory over Harlequins was watched by a Premiership record 1.52 million TV audience as well more than 50,000 fans inside the ground and secured Sarries a home semi-final with three rounds of the domestic season to spare.

But now Sarries’ attention turns to European matters and a Round of 16 date with the Ospreys at the StoneX Stadium and they are boosted by captain Owen Farrell’s recovery from an ankle injury.

The three-time champions did the double over them in the pool stages three years ago, despite losing Rhys Carre to a fourth-minute red card in the Swansea leg.

However, no one in the Sarries camp is taking them lightly, especially after the Welsh region’s home-and-away wins over Top 14 champions Montpellier and the 27-26 qualification-clinching victory at Leicester in round four.

“We are stepping up against a very good and very proud Ospreys team in a European competition. If we lose this weekend, we are out,” said Christie, highlighting the jeopardy of the fixture.

“We’ve just had a Premiership game which was massive for us and fortunately we secured a home semi. But, ultimately in the Prem, there are more chances whereas this week is knockout so, if anything, I’d say it is a step up.