Saracens Head Coach Rod Kafer was left pleased with his side's performance against the Golden Lions in their opening warm-up match of the 2004/05 season.

Last night's match at Ellis Park saw Saracens fall to a 43-27 defeat, but it was only after a late flurry of tries in the closing few minutes that saw the home side seal the win.

Saracens were enjoying a 27-22 lead going into the final 10 minutes after tries from Robbie Kydd, captain Hugh Vyvyan, Dan Scarbrough and Paul Bailey. Thomas Castaignede added two conversions and a penalty. However, the effects of playing at altitude, coupled with the fact that the home side are in the middle of their Currie Cup campaign, saw them take control in the closing stages.

"I'm reasonably happy with the outcome in terms of getting what we need from a pre-season fixture," Kafer told Saracens.com from the club's training camp outside Johannesburg this morning (Thursday). "It doesn't get much tougher for your first warm-up game than to play at altitude and against a team in the middle of a domestic campaign.

"We can take a big positive from the fact that we had the lead until the 70th minute. We played some good rugby but then just ran out of gas and let them in with an interception and turnover try. We had expected to tire - it's often the case with playing at altitude if you are not used to the conditions.
 
"We wanted to keep the players on as long as possible to help with their match fitness and I'm pleased to say that a lot of them lasted for the 80 minutes. It was a good run out.
 
"Another pleasing aspect is that we haven't picked up any serious injuries. The squad have the usual bumps and bruises you would expect after playing a competitive match, but they should settle over the next few days as we continue our preparations for the new season in South Africa before flying home on Saturday."
 
Saracens continue their pre-season campaign with a friendly against NEC Harlequins at Vicarage Road on Friday 27th August - kick off 7.45pm. The following day, the Men In Black travel to Bedford - kick off 3pm - with Kafer planning to utilise the entire squad across both matches.
 
Saracens begin their Zurich Premiership campaign with a clash against London Wasps at Twickenham as part of the London Double Header at Twickenham on Saturday 4th September.