Young rugby players chase excellence and work on their craft for years in hopes of one day becoming a professional.

Well, it isn't easy. And judging from the Saracens vs. Newcastle game held at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA, on Saturday, even the best players can screw up once they've made it to a big stage such as the Aviva Premiership. We're highlighting three miscues from the Saracens' 29-7 win as a reminder of that fact.

Pros Drop Balls Too

First up, those ball skills. Shouldn't these guys keep the ball in their hands? Maybe, but it's a funny shape, that rugby ball. And if you're trying to keep an eye on the tackler, and run hard, maybe watching the ball into your hands gets forgotten.

Out On The Full

Kicking skills are far, far superior in the Premiership compared to the USA leagues, right? Usually, yes, and there were some sublime kicks on display in this game. But... if you have no pressure on you, you sometimes run the risk of wanting to make the perfect kick. Newcastle fullback Simon Hammersley puts a bit too much in this kick, and it goes out on the full.

Why? He wasn't rushed. He wasn't pressured. Sometimes a little extra time can get in your head.

Good Start, Horrible Finish

And this starts out so beautifully. Some great play from Saracens here, but when the try was on offer, it all fell apart. Why? Basic fundamentals such as passing before contact, securing placement of the ball, and turning your body sideways to gather up the ball all go by the wayside. An early pass in this play would likely have led to a try.

Some Good Plays Now

OK, so that's the bad stuff -- how about the good stuff? Such as... eye contact. Every player makes eye contact with his teammate and sends a nice, crisp pass. The result? Chris Wyles on his horse and a try.




And this is one for the defenders. We love to see a big runner advancing onto a flat pass at pace. It's a sure way to make ground, and on this play, you have to think Saracens will score a try. But no way. This tackle is as good a tackle as you'll see. No ground gained -- zero -- and the ball tied up in a brilliant piece of Newcastle defense.