Last Season

Saracens' endured a dismal campaign last season, continuing their slide down the table since winning the Cup in 1998.

A 10th-placed finish spelled the end for coach Francois Pienaar and triggered a long search for a replacement, taking in Greg Smith, Matt Williams and Tim Lane before eventually ending with Wayne Shelford.

Typically, Sarries flattered to deceive, starting well before nose-diving towards a long relegation fight.

They lost narrowly to Wasps in their first game but then beat Gloucester, Bath and Northampton in quick succession to go third.

Defeat by Leeds then put things into perspective and by the time the Yorkshiremen completed the double over them in February, Sarries were deep in the mire.

The only bright spot of the season's closing months was the return of Thomas Castaignede after 18 months out with an achilles injury.

Ins and Outs

Despite having already poured �10m into the club, Nigel Wray's wallet has remained open for business this summer.

New coach Shelford will not have come cheaply, and nor will star signings France prop Christian Califano and Wales lock Craig Quinnell.

Sarries have also added competition for places with the capture of fly-halves Andy Goode and Nicki Little, and forwards Johnny Marsters, Craig Yandell and Joe Ross.

Scott Murray (Edinburgh) and Jannie de Beer (retired) are the only significant departures from last season's squad.

Rising stars

Tom Shanklin

At 6'2" tall and weighing 15st, Shanklin is a thoroughly modern centre, combining speed and size as the weapons to break the gain-line.

Tracked initially by England's Clive Woodward, he made his Wales debut last season and will be looking to add to his two-cap tally this term.

Likened by Castaignede to French sensation Damien Traille for his mix of power and finesse, Shanklin has an aggressive defence and the ability to change direction at speed.

Richard Haughton

Last season, Haughton established himself in the England Sevens squad and caught the eye of New Zealand legend Eric Rush, who was struck by the 21-year-old's blistering pace.

This term, he should establish himself as a fixture in the Saracens side and make an impact on the Premiership's scoring charts.

With only three wings on the Vicarage Road books, Haughton's sharp side-step and elusive running should get plenty of exposure.

Prediction

One thing Saracens will not lack this season is effort - the driving force of new coach Shelford, one of the toughest All Blacks to wear the silver fern, guarantees that at least.

And nor are they short of class, with the likes of Califano and Quinnell adding to the existing quality of Tim Horan, Richard Hill, Kyran Bracken, Abdel Benazzi and Castaignede.

The success of Goode or Little at fly-half and Shelford's ability to get more from Quinnell than his former handlers at Richmond managed will be key.

Shelford is expecting a top six finish and hoping for the top three. The former aspiration is the more realistic one.