15 May 2023 , 08:25
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Sean Maitland, Saracens’ two-try semi-final match winner, has been rewarded with a new contract.
The Scotland wing was braced for the end of his seven-year spell in north London but will this week be confirmed as staying for an extended period.
Maitland, 34, rode his luck to steer Sarries into a May 27 Twickenham final against Sale, fortunate to avoid a first minute card. Having escaped any punishment for clattering George Furbank in the air, leaving the Northampton star in need of lengthy medical attention, he scored the first two tries to effectively kill off Saints.
“Sean’s staying,” confirmed Saracens boss Mark McCall as he celebrated a seventh Premiership final in 10 years.
“I thought he was great today. Obviously he scored two tries but some of his defensive reads were great.”
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Sarries’ five-try win capped a memorable week for the New-Zealand born ace, named Community Player of the Year at the Premiership Rugby awards for his work coaching young people with high functioning disabilities.
Maitland is congratulated by team mates after the first of his two tries (Getty Images)Time will tell if his new deal signals an end to Saracens’ interest in Lions wing Anthony Watson, whom Leicester are trying to persuade to stay.
Maitland has already set his sights on a third league title believing Sarries to be better placed than a year ago, when they lost the final to Tigers.
“I think last year we were just happy to be there, probably, in the Premiership final after everything with dropping into the Championship and then coming back,” he said.
George Furbank required lengthy treatment after being clattered in the air by Maitland (Getty Images)“This year just feels a bit different. You can just tell there’s a different buzz at the club.”
The root cause is Saracens’ displeasure at playing "within themselves" when losing on the big stage last year and their post-match pledge never to repeat it.
“We were talking about it this week,” said captain Owen Farrell. “Not standing in your own way as if you know everything, but exploring how good you can be and feeling like it's fresh and new.
Alex Goode was one of Sarries' stand-out players on Saturday (PA)“That brings an energy to what you're doing and a life and an excitement to turning up every week.
“We’re trying to evolve. There was always a perception about us before, rightly so at times, that we were this team that just strangled teams, and kicked everything.
“Parts of last year showed us that we can be better, and that’s all we’re trying to be. It felt like we were ready to do it, so that’s why we did.
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"I just feel we’ve been ready for a bigger jump this year. The key thing now is taking it into the bigger games.”
SARACENS - Tries: Maitland 2, van Zyl, penalty, Malins. Cons: Farrell 4. Pen: Farrell.
NORTHAMPTON - Tries: Mitchell, Ramm. Con: Smith. Pen: Smith.