Well, Saruman was probably considering challenging Sauron, not necessarily one-on-one. Of course, his intention was to break the rules. He would've lost, though, just like Gandalf. If someone motivated the heralds of the Valar to come on down and do some smiting, the problem's solved, but I don't think anyone was capable of such a thing in that age.
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"What mortal feels not awe/Nor trembles at our name,
Hearing our fate-appointed power sublime/Fixed by the eternal law.
For old our office, and our fame,"
-Aeschylus, Song of the Furies
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