In this weeks edition of Carnegie Call, Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster looks ahead to Leeds Carnegie's clash with Saracens this Sunday at Headingley Carnegie, kick off 3pm.
 
HOW HAS THE WEEK BEEN SINCE THE HARLEQUINS GAME?
 
We were disappointed not to have delivered some quality ball to give us a chance off the front foot, however we did improve in certain areas in the second half and were pleased with our two scores from driving lineouts. We have had a good review process and have been working hard in the week to achieve a better balance as a team.
Dealing with a loss as a team is obviously not easy but it is important internally to pick out as many positives as possible from the performance but also take the opportunity to analyse and work on our errors so we do not duplicate them. The best medicine for a loss is to immediately absorb yourself in your next opponent and that is what we have done with Saracens this week.
 
WHAT HAS BEEN THE FOCUS OF THE WEEK?
 
The focus has been the immediate and next task, Saracens. Obviously as people are aware injuries have hit us again and losing key players such as Jon Dunbar, Rob Rawlinson and James Brookes has not helped in addition to our other absentees. However injuries also present opportunities for others and it was great to see the A team perform on Monday and as a consequence some have forced their way into the reckoning for this weekend and with others close to fitness and our returning World Cup players coming into contention next week, competition for places will be intense.
All the players are aware and support the need for competition and know that they will have to perform, not only on game day but also during the training week to keep their place, I have no problem making tough calls as the good of the team will always come first. Consistency of high level performance is key for a competitive team in this, the highest of Leagues. 
 
HOW IS THE TEAM SHAPING UP?
 
There are several changes from last weeks starting line up due to injury but also the improved second half performance against Harlequins and from the A XV game on Monday night. Tommy McGee deserves his chance having trained and played well recently and will be joined in the front five with Vili Ma'asi and Erik Lund who both made a good impression in the second half. In the back row Calum Clark will make his debut, something I am personally very excited about. Calum more than deserves his chance and whilst still only being 18, he possess tremendous potential physically, technically and mentally. He is the type of player who is the future of the club and epitomises what we are all about.
Richard Vasey gets his first start of the season alongside Lee Blackett who is now fully fit having recovered from an ankle injury, allowing Richard Welding to revert to full back where he will share the kicking duties with Richard Vasey. On the bench Danny Paul, another exciting prospect, gets his chance to show his undoubted potential as he continues his development in the back row. Unfortunately, a late hamstring tweak has ruled out Rob Vickerman from the squad but all the signs are that it will only be short term injury.