Sarries’ Brits braced for greatest of battles with Saints

Schalk Brits admits Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final against Northampton is Saracens’ biggest "grudge match" as two contrasting cultures collide at Twickenham.

Springboks hooker Brits revealed needle and niggle between the two rivals dates back to September 2009, when Saracens saw off Saints at Wembley.

And the 33-year-old free-running front-rower expects to be spurred on at Twickenham by his long-standing rivalry with England and Northampton counterpart Dylan Hartley.

“It’s definitely a grudge match for us,” said former Stormers hooker Brits.

“There has never been any love lost between the two sides: that’s about all I can say.

“I think it’s two very good sides that try to push the boundaries.

“Both sides have different philosophies in the way they treat people, and go about their business. And I think it’s a big clash of two very proud clubs.”

Hartley is still battling for full fitness after two months sidelined with shoulder trouble, yet aiming to return for both Saturday’s league showpiece and England’s tour of New Zealand.

“Dylan welcomed me into Premiership rugby quite quickly in my first game against Northampton for Saracens,” said Brits.

“So from there on my love for this clash has always brought the best out in me, if I can say it like that.”