LIAM Williams has warned Saracens against any complacency as they head into this weekend’s trip to Northampton Saints.

Despite picking up bonus-point wins in both of their first two matches of the campaign against Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears, the British & Irish Lion is not satisfied.

And with star man Owen Farrell ruled out of the clash with a mysterious injury, perhaps Williams is right to proffer caution.

“You have to be on your game against any team in the English Premiership, especially Saints,” he said.

“We played them a couple of times last year and beat them reasonably well but they’ve had a couple of new signings this year and they’ll be a decent team.

“The boys and I can’t wait to go there and give them a decent shot.”

The club have attributed Farrell’s withdrawal to ‘a minor strain’, with the experienced Alex Goode moving over from full-back to deputise, whilst Williams comes in for his first start of the season.

The fixture also marks Mako Vunipola’s 100th Premiership appearance as the loosehead prop, with brother Billy named at number 8 following his return from injury against Bristol last weekend.

But despite Williams notching a quickfire hat-trick after coming off the bench last weekend, he stressed that Saracens are demanding more.

“We always set high standards,” he continued.

“We always expect to be beating teams and we regard ourselves as the champions. We try and put on as many points as we can but it’s not all about that – we try and go out there and get the feeling of playing well as a group.

“The first two weeks as a group hasn’t been great but we got the results we wanted and we’re looking forward to this weekend now.”

Whilst Sarries’ wins have them tied for top spot in the table, Saints are seventh with a win and a draw to their name thus far.

England captain Dylan Hartley will make his first start of the season as the home side look to prevent a repeat of the last time they welcomed Sarries to Franklin’s Gardens when they were thrashed 57-13.

Also in the Saints’ line-up is summer signing Dan Biggar, a man Williams knows well from international duty, and the Swansea native is relishing the chance to face up against an old friend.

“He’s a great bloke, Dan,” he continued.

“I’ve played with him for our country for a while now, so it’ll be nice to go there and play against him and have a catch up with him after the game. I just hope he doesn’t take too many high balls during the game!”