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Saracens return to winning ways with Worcester rout

Saracens' Elliot Daly scores despite the tackle of Worcester's Tom Howe (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Saracens bounced back from their defeat at Exeter to claim a precious bonus-point victory in their pursuit of Gallagher Premiership survival after dismantling Worcester 62-5. Rooted to the foot of the table after being docked 35 points for breaching salary cap regulations, the champions ran in 10 tries against outclassed opponents at Allianz Park.

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Rotimi Segun, a late replacement for the injured Sean Maitland, crossed in each half to spearhead the assault while Ben Earl, Brad Barritt, Mako Vunipola, Richard Barrington, Maro Itoje, Duncan Taylor, Jackson Wray and Elliot Daly also touched down.

Mako Vunipola’s try on the half-hour mark secured the bonus point but then received an injury to his shoulder when illegally cleared out at a ruck and was substituted at half-time.

The resounding victory restored Saracens to winning ways having fallen 14-7 to arch-rivals Exeter six days ago and has come in the week that owner Nigel Wray stepped down as chairman in the wake of the salary cap scandal.

A match spanning 126 minutes was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to Worcester’s replacement lock Michael Fatialofa, who had been on the pitch just over a minute when he was hurt taking the ball into contact.

(Continue reading below…)

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The play was held up for several minutes as Fatialofa received medical attention before he was carried from the pitch on a stretcher with his neck in a brace. Compounding a torrid afternoon was the sight of Conor Carey, their replacement tighthead, bouncing on one leg as he was helped off by two of Worcester’s backroom staff.

Signs that the Warriors faced an uphill struggle came when Earl made a dynamic start as he powered over for the opening try, before winning the turnover that enabled Saracens to renew their attack and score a second through Segun.

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Saracens’ pack played a key role in both touchdowns as waves of runners, led by the tackle-busting Vunipola brothers, battered an unstoppable path through the Warriors. Their dominance up-front was underlined when Barritt was at the bottom of a successful line-out drive but Worcester full-back Jamie Shillock being outjumped by Alex Lewington in the build-up had invited pressure.

Segun showed his footwork and pace to tear through the visiting defence, and had he passed to Elliot Daly Saracens would have had the bonus point. But on the half-hour mark, it duly arrived. Jamie George was stopped just short of the line following clever play from Owen Farrell but Mako Vunipola was on hand to complete the move.

Farrell then came through an anxious few moments as Craig Maxwell-Keys reviewed his tackle on wing Tom Howe but the referee decided it was a penalty only. Lock Anton Bresler was not spared the sin-bin, however, for his dangerous clear-out of Mako Vunipola that left the England prop in considerable pain, while Will Skelton also rode his luck at the same breakdown.

Mako Vunipola failed to appear for the second half but otherwise normal service resumed, with Worcester scrambling furiously to defend their line, and only a double tackle by Shillcock and Scott Van Breda prevented Earl from scoring a second.

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The move continued and replacement prop Barrington went over as the floodgates opened, Richard Wigglesworth’s break downfield given fresh legs by Titi Lamositele before Maro crossed. Once Fatialofa’s unfortunate collision had been dealt with, wing Ed Fidow raced over in the left corner to spare Worcester total humiliation, but it was only a brief interlude as Segun produced a moment of genius to give Taylor an easy chance.

Taylor was held up over the line but Saracens continued to run riot and Jackson Wray was the next to score before Daly put the Warriors out of their misery with the final blow to leave the champions 18 points adrift of eleventh placed Leicester.

– Press Association 

WATCH: RugbyPass travelled to Brecon to see how life after rugby is treating Andy Powell

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Hellhound 16 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 56 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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