Saracens flanker Jacques Burger admits playing for the first time in 14 months against Wasps last Saturday took a huge “leap of faith” as the Namibian forward completes his recovery from a devastating knee injury.

Burger came off the bench for the last 20 minutes of the Men in Black’s 22-13 victory over their London rivals which marked the end of a long and painful journey for the 29-year-old who questioned if he’d ever play rugby again.

Burger, whose name was cheered by the Sarries faithful at every possible opportunity, admits he was apprehensive about being back amongst the action.

“I was nervous - it was like making my debut again, I was very nervous,” he said.

“Getting back to full match fitness has gone quicker than I expected. It's one of those things where you have to take a leap of faith.

“You can feel in yourself you’re not 100 per cent or that you’re not quite happy but the medical guys feel that you are ready.

“It's all about getting out there and starting to play and then you actually realise you can do most things.”

The back row forward played 40 minutes for Saracens feeder side Bedford Blues recently but this was his first competitive action and at a much higher level.

Despite the intensity and pace of the match Burger said his knee came through unscathed although he admits he is not 100 per cent and there is still work to do.

“I still struggle with certain movements but that’ll come with time – it’s just great to be out there,” he said.

“The knee’s feeling alright, there’s still some work that needs to be done and I need to improve in certain areas.

“But my knee feels fine and if I can get through 20 minutes against a good side like Wasps then I’m pretty happy.”

Saracens came from 13 points behind to win 22-13 thanks to tries from Chris Wyles and Chris Ashton and Burger praised the team, and the club’s supporters, who he insists made his introduction easier.

“In the last 20 minutes or so the boys really stepped up and I was lucky to be involved when they were playing really well.

“We're a hard working team, we work for each other, we play for each other and I've gotten so much support from the fans and the rugby guys so it's amazing to get out there and be playing with them and to get the result as well was a bonus.

Burger spent Saturday evening in an ‘ice machine’ which helps the players with their post-match recovery and he believes it will be tough to establish himself in the team ahead of important matches towards the end of the season.

Saracens play Ulster in the Heineken Cup at Twickenham this Saturday before three remaining Premiership matches against Worcester Warriors, Gloucester and Bath.

“This weekend will be tough with the Heineken Cup quarter-final, I don’t think I’ll be involved in a lot of the games this season - it's tough to say.

“It's a tough part of the season to just get thrown in and the boys are doing really well so I’m just happy to be out there.

“It's tough to say now what will happen, hopefully towards the end of the season I’ll get a start but there are no easy games.

“I’ve not played for 14 months - you can't expect to just be starting matches straight away so whatever I get I’ll take.

“It’ll come with time and after a full pre-season in the summer I’ll get myself 100 per cent and get out there and hopefully do some damage.”