Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
At Last, Sarries Show Class Of Champions
The Rugby Paper
|January 21, 2018
WITH Mako Vunipola wielding the cudgel up front and Owen Farrell slipping the dagger in when Northampton had been battered, this try beating might yet be enough to see Saracens defend their European title.
The bonus point they had secured in a first half blitz ensured Saracens second place in their group on 18 points, behind Clermont. However, they face a fraught weekend waiting on other results because only the three best second placed teams progress to the quarter-finals.
If they do squeeze through the back door, on this evidence no-one will be too keen to host them because after the stuttering draw against the Ospreys last weekend this was more like the formidable Saracens side that have been back-to-back champions in the last two years.
By the end of this encounter they had swamped a Northampton side that flattered to deceive with a brisk start that saw a darting Cobus Reinach try from a spill by Alex Goode, converted by Harry Mallinder, give them a 7-0 lead.
This story is from the January 21, 2018 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Rugby Paper
The Rugby Paper
Spain push Argentina all the way
ARGENTINA clinched a thrilling victory over Spain with a dramatic second half comeback.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
When Alfie is always the star man
ALLAN Langer, the Queensland rugby league legend, is honoured with a statue outside Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, the venue for Wednesday's Lions game with the Reds.
1 min
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Ireland miss chance to get past Italians
IRELAND'S bid to reach the semifinals suffered a damaging setback as they slipped to a heartbreaking defeat against hosts Italy in Viadana.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
O'Brien is quick to take charge for Ireland
IRELAND secured a confident and controlled victory in Tbilisi, propelled by a try-double from debutant wing Tommy O'Brien and one from first-time captain Craig Casey.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Wingers to the fore for England
ENGLAND began their U20s World Championship title defence with a commanding 56-19 victory over Scotland in Verona.
2 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Gibson-Park and Russell happy as they fall into step
JAMISON Gibson-Park passed his Lions Test match audition with dance partner Finn Russell and admitted the pair had hardly rehearsed.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Woeful Wales are humiliated one more time
WALES' embarrassment knows no bounds as they surrendered a 19-7 lead to chalk up their 18th consecutive defeat, easily a record for a Tier 1 nation in the professional era.
2 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Bordeaux & Saints are set for Cup rematch
EUROPEAN champions Bordeaux-Begles and last season’s finalists Northampton have been drawn in Pool 4 for the 2025-26 Champions Cup.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Farrell's call-up shouldn't cause discord
THE furore surrounding Owen Farrell being brought into the Lions squad as a replacement for Elliott Daly has stirred the nepotism bad genie.
1 mins
July 06, 2025
The Rugby Paper
Scotland hold on to deny brave Māori
SCOTLAND claimed a first-ever win over the Māori All Blacks with a thrilling victory in Whangõrei to kick off their Pacific tour in style.
1 min
July 06, 2025
Translate
Change font size