The 36-24 victory over Harlequins was watched by a Premiership record 1.52 million TV audience as well more than 50,000 fans inside the ground and secured Sarries a home semi-final with three rounds of the domestic season to spare.
But now Sarries’ attention turns to European matters and a Round of 16 date with the Ospreys at the StoneX Stadium and they are boosted by captain Owen Farrell’s recovery from an ankle injury.
The three-time champions did the double over them in the pool stages three years ago, despite losing Rhys Carre to a fourth-minute red card in the Swansea leg.
However, no one in the Sarries camp is taking them lightly, especially after the Welsh region’s home-and-away wins over Top 14 champions Montpellier and the 27-26 qualification-clinching victory at Leicester in round four.
“We are stepping up against a very good and very proud Ospreys team in a European competition. If we lose this weekend, we are out,” said Christie, highlighting the jeopardy of the fixture.
“We’ve just had a Premiership game which was massive for us and fortunately we secured a home semi. But, ultimately in the Prem, there are more chances whereas this week is knockout so, if anything, I’d say it is a step up.
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