Sarries the team to beat but Wasps can have final say

Saracens were the dominant force in England and Europe last season, powering their way to a historic trophy double, and bookmakers are taking no chances as the champions look primed to be as strong as ever.

Sarries have set the mould for their consistency, their durability and their sheer bloody-mindedness as time and again they have proved too tough to overcome.

They have finished top of the table in three of the last four seasons, with a tally of 17 (twice) and 19 victories from 22 games in those triumphant campaigns. Only Harlequins in 2011-2012 have been able to reach that figure in the last ten years.