World Cup winner Lewis Moody believes Saracens will need to rely on all their experience of the big occasions when they take on Wasps in the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final.

Saturday’s game at Allianz Park pits Saracens, competing in the play-offs for the ninth consecutive year, against last year’s runners-up.

Sarries were knocked off their Premiership perch by Exeter Chiefs in last season’s semi-final and a 30-19 defeat to eventual champions Leinster ended their hopes of winning a third successive Champions Cup.

Former England and Leicester Tigers flanker Moody is anticipating a fascinating encounter and doesn’t believe Saracens have lost any of their swagger or self-belief.

He said: “They believe absolutely, completely in what they’re trying to achieve.

“In their own minds they have a sense of invincibility when they take to the field.

“Yes, that has been tested this season, but they are comfortable in that top four and have been for some time.

“You’ve got a side that is very used to and comfortable with operating in those final situations now.”

That experience could be all important according to Moody, and with plenty of England internationals at their disposal, they have a squad of match-winners, boosted by the return of Billy Vunipola from injury.

He said: “Whether it’s the Champions Cup or the Premiership, they’ve got an incredible number of players who can really make a difference.

“Billy Vunipola is back and with the likes of Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell, those guys just offer such experience on such a big occasion.

“They’re not just relying on old heads, they have a lot of young heads that have matured very quickly because they’ve been thrown into those positions early in their careers, and that’s why Saracens have galvanised their position in the top four.

“They’re so good at bringing young players through when they’re 18, 19, 20, like they did with Itoje and Farrell and throwing them in with older heads.

“It’s embedded in the culture of the club and the values they hold themselves accountable to.”

Wasps will provide a stern test, with the Coventry-based side determined to return to the Aviva Premiership final after their agonising defeat in extra time against the Chiefs in last year’s edition.

Moody, who knows a thing or two about winning Premiership finals from his time at Leicester, believes Saracens will be an enormous hurdle for Wasps to overcome, but not an impossible challenge.

He said: “It’s all about getting it right on the day and Wasps do have the ability to deliver some remarkable rugby.”

Lewis Moody was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, who this year is celebrating its Testimonial Season; ten years of supporting grassroots rugby in the UK. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal