'I don't think he feels he's quite on top of his game'

Owen Farrell has been backed to rediscover his top form as Saracens accelerated their pursuit of a home Gallagher Premiership semi-final with a 38-22 victory over Exeter at StoneX Stadium.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall watched as Farrell inspired his side’s fightback from a 15-10 deficit by making the break that led to Sean Maitland’s try and kicking 13 points.

It was only the England captain’s fourth appearance since coming back from injuries to both ankles first incurred during the autumn.

Abbie Ward on beating New Zealand, moving to Bristol and quick-fire questions | Tunnel Talk | Episode 1

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“Owen’s kicking, passing and offloading were phenomenal. He was outstanding in terms of what he did, but he was also incredible emotionally. He drove the comeback,” McCall said.

“He hasn’t played many games for us in the Premiership, so it’s great to have him back.

“I don’t think he feels he’s quite on top of his game because he hasn’t played much recently, but he looked OK out there to me. He’s going to get better.”

Playing with a strong wind behind them, Saracens came alive in a pivotal third quarter in which Exeter were crushed 7-0 on the penalty count.

“Overall we’re pleased. The second half was better than the first when we didn’t cope well and Exeter played well,” McCall said.

“We got too individual defensively, players putting their head into breakdowns when they shouldn’t or jumping out of the line.

“When you defend individually against a team like Exeter, you are going to create problems for yourselves. I thought there was a big improvement in that regard.”

Defeat has placed an enormous dent in Exeter’s play-off hopes as while they are one point off fourth place, they have played one more game than closest rivals Northampton and Gloucester.

It would end the Chiefs’ remarkable run of six successive appearances in the final, but Rob Baxter insists there is no sense of crisis at Sandy Park and still has not given up hope of qualifying.

“If finishing fourth or fifth is a re-set year for us, then a hell of a lot of clubs would take that. There have been a lot of clubs who have spent 10 years bumbling along the bottom as a re-set,” Baxter said.

“We’ll know exactly where we stand after next week’s round. That’s our bye week and the fixtures unwind.

“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we’re in a position where two wins would see us through to fourth spot.

“We’re far from saying it’s going to be an experimental two games. We’ll give the lads nine or 10 days off then we’ll go after two victories.”