Sarries look for momentum to take into Premiership play-offs (From Times Series)

Saracens and England centre Barritt wants side to put down marker to title rivals

11:50am Friday 4th May 2012 in Sport By Simon Mail

England centre Brad Barritt claims Saracens want to issue a statement of intent to their play-off rivals as they target a successful title defence.

The 25-year-old returns to the side, after missing last month's win at Newcastle Falcons, for the champions as they complete their Premiership league campaign at home to Exeter Chiefs tomorrow [2pm].

Third-placed Sarries still have a chance of earning a home semi-final but are facing up to the likelihood of an away tie at Leicester Tigers or Harlequins. Barritt believes the side are capable of reaching Twickenham the hard way, by winning on the road, and claims this weekend's match is an important chance to build some momentum.

Barritt said: "We know it's going to be a huge game against Exeter who have had an excellent season. We want to put down a marker going into the semi-finals. Exeter are a tough team who are very hard working and well drilled.

"They're not in the top five for no reason and we have a lot to prove after losing at home to them last season. We will have to be on top of our game.

"Home advantage is a nice thing to have but we don't think that it's the be all and end all. We have proved that's not the case over the last couple of years.

"But we want to take winning momentum into the semi-finals and the performance is an important thing for us. We are confident as a team about playing away anywhere.

"I think every team needs to raise their level to win a semi-final. We really want to win this championship. Confidence is high and the guys are ready for the challenge. Only the team that wants it the most is going to win so all our focus is on this weekend."

Barritt's consistency for Sarries led to his successful elevation to the England team during the Six Nations. The hard hitting back has been nominated for the Premiership player of the season award, which will be announced next week, but his focus remains on helping his club to a second consecutive championship.

Barrit said: "It is a huge honour and privilege to be on the shortlist for the award. To be picked alongside so many great players is a huge honour. At the moment I'm more focused on Saracens but it would be a real feather in the cap. The most important prize is still to win the Premiership."

The Men in Black are aways thinking of new ways to challenge and entertain the players and this has again been the case over the last fortnight. Firstly, the squad jetted off to Barcelona, immediately after the win over Newcastle, to watch the El Clasico match against Real Madrid.

Then the players were inspired after a talk from Olympic sprinting champion Michael Johnson on Tuesday.

Barritt admitted: "It was amazing to meet someone as successful as him. He had some inspirational words for the players and staff. Once again Saracens showed how innovative they are by getting Michael to come and speak to us. He imparted wisdom about success during his career and it's something we will never forget.

"It was a great trip [Barcelona] for the club and to help bond as a team. This is crucial because when you have that bond it gets you through the hard times."