Alex Goode is ready to lead Saracens
Saracens out-half Alex Goode believes he can provide the necessary cover for the injured first choice number 10 Derick Hougaard.
Hougaard will miss most of the season for the Aviva Premiership club after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Saracens Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster.
Goode made an impressive start to the out-half position on Friday 22 October in Hougaard’s absence. The player kicked a last minute penalty to secure a 15-13 win over Newcastle in the league.
The full-back, who has now converted to the out-half position, believes that Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter has had a lot to do with the team’s success.
Goode said, "Before people like Brendan got here we perhaps wouldn't have won those games."
"What the coaching staff have added has made a different Saracens team. At the end of the day we didn't play well, we know that, but we still won, and that's the sign of a good side," added the 22-year-old.
However, Goode realised that he is now under pressure to produce similar performances every week and as the out-half he will be under far more scrutiny.
Saracens was considering bringing in a replacement for Hougaard. Welsh star Gavin Henson was one of the players that the club confirmed they were interested in.
Yet, Venter may reconsider signing a replacement if Goode can continue to impress as the number 10.
Goode is relishing the prospect of playing consistently as the Saracen’s out-half, but admitted that he would have to maintain the standard he has set so far this season.
"It's only an opportunity if you take it,” said Goode.
"I've got to make sure I lead the team now for the next six months or so and make sure we're in a position to get to the Championship at the end," he added.
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