Mark McCall explains why Fergus Burke can be Finn Russell's main understudy

Saracens boss Mark McCall has revealed the close bond between Owen Farrell and Fergus Burke that is helping the Scotland outside half deliver match winning performance as the former champions attempt prove the doubters wrong and make the Gallagher PREM play-offs

Burke arrived at Saracens ahead of the 2024/25 season and is now showing why the club was so excited bring him from the Crusaders to fill the void left by Farrell who had departed for Racing 92.

Now, Farrell is back and once again a big influence on the Saracens squad, working in tandem with Burke, who he replaced after 54 minutes in the 41-26 win at Bristol. In his time on the pitch, Burke scored a try while amassing 14 points and beat six defenders for 65 metres.

Saracens take on Gloucester this weekend in sixth place still believing they can finish in the top four. Burke will have a key role in trying to make that happen and McCall revealed: “Fergus works very closely with Owen and that has really helped him blossom. Owen has done a great job in terms of supporting him with his influence and is guidance. The two of them are working really well together.

“We knew what we were signing and he is one of the more athletic fly-halves, I would say, in the competition. He is someone who can use his acceleration, power and speed to put the opposition under pressure because he is a big threat and passes well.

“When you come half away across the world to a new club and try to establish yourself in one of the key positions it takes some time. He has done it in short amount of time when you think about it and is playing some great rugby over the last two or three weeks – some of his best rugby and is confident in his own game.”

Burke, who won three caps for Scotland last year, is battling with Bristol’s Tom Jordan in the pecking order behind outside half Finn Russel. Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has opted to use Jordan on the replacements bench as he can cover a number of positions but McCall believes Burke can do the same.

McCall added: “Fergus played against Tom at the weekend at Bristol. Tom has been used on a 6-2 bench for Scotland with his positional flexibility but I believe Fergus is very capable of playing in various positions himself – full-back and inside centre. I am sure Gregor has been watching him closely and enjoying the progression he is making.”