England stars power Saracens to big win over Leicester Tigers

The return of Saracens’ international stars to domestic action helped them to a dominant 32-17 victory over Leicester.

Quality performances from captain Owen Farrell and player of the match Maro Itoje helped Saracens to much needed back-to-back victories in the Gallagher Premiership.

Meanwhile, the Tigers’ torrid start to the campaign continues as they suffered their third defeat in four.

Amy Rule and Chelsea Bremner reflect on the Black Ferns’ tough WXV campaign

Amy Rule and Chelsea Bremner reflect on the Black Ferns’ tough WXV campaign

Unlike Saracens, Dan McKellar had opted to wait to bring back his international contingent, but it was still the visitors who were enjoying the early possession.

Jamie Shillcock kicked his side to an early lead from a penalty as he picked up from his clinical display from the tee in round three.

Saracens reacted superbly, with Ben Earl and Alex Lozowski making the most of a quick break and then recycling it to Itoje to score. Farrell calmly converted.

With the lead, the hosts began to click into gear and the trouble they were causing in the Tigers’ half proved too much as Andy Christie muscled his way over for another.

Farrell had no issues in converting his second as Sarries took a stranglehold on the match, increasing the lead to 14-3 inside 30 minutes.

Despite some sustained pressure in the Saracens’ 22, the visitors were unable to break the opposition down and put more points on the board in the stages leading to the interval.

After the break, the home side were swift in picking up where they left off, with the TMO deeming Billy Vunipola successful in powering through from close range to score the hosts’ third try of the day.

Leicester were struggling to find a response and looked to the bench for some energy, but things went from bad to worse as Sarries locked up their bonus point.

It was Jamie George scoring this time from a strong maul in the far corner to extend the champions’ lead.

The home side looked to have switched off following their fourth try, with Tom Whiteley pouncing and darting through to score after a Farrell kick was charged down, closing the gap to 26-10.

Leicester’s success was short-lived, however, and they were pegged back in their own half once more and forced to concede a penalty, allowing Farrell to add an extra three points to his tally for the day.

McKellar’s men kept coming though, and Shillcock provided more points for the visitors when he darted through, handing off Farrell on his way to the line before converting his own try.

As the light over the StoneX Stadium faded, the match faded agonisingly out of reach for the visitors when Farrell converted yet another penalty to secure the 32-17 win for the hosts.