Saracens 32-17 Leicester Tigers: Owen Farrell returns, Maro Itoje stars, as Sarries take win
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Updated 04/11/2023 at 21:25 GMT
Saracens welcomed back their World Cup stars, including Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje, and they produced a slick display in beating Leicester Tigers. Itoje set the ball rolling with an early try, while England captain Farrell kicked two penalties and three conversions in a dominant win at StoneX Stadium in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.
Saracens Maro Itoje in action during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and Leicester Tigers at StoneX Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Barnet, England
Image credit: Getty Images
Maro Itoje returned from England World Cup duty to produce an outstanding performance as champions Saracens enjoyed a dominant 32-17 home victory against Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership.
Itoje set the ball rolling on a resounding bonus-point win for Sarries with the first try on 15 minutes before Andy Christie (26’), Billy Vunipola (42’) and Jamie George (53') added further impressive tries at the StoneX Stadium.
England captain Owen Farrell kicked two penalties and three conversions as Ben Earl and Elliot Daly added to the theme of returning dominance after England's impressive third-placed finish at the World Cup in France.
Leicester were well beaten as they remain second bottom of the standings with one win from four matches, but did produce two fine scores of their own via Tom Whiteley and Jamie Shillcock in the closing 25 minutes.
Saracens are in eighth on nine points, five points behind early pacesetters Harlequins.
Talking Point: Real positive vibes for Saracens and England
"The great thing about sport is that you constantly look forward to the next goal, the next objective," said Itoje on TNT Sports a fortnight after England's agonising 16-15 defeat to winners South Africa in the World Cup semi-finals.
"We have to start again, and give everyone respect. We just want to move forward. Why I love being part of this club is that we want to keep pushing on and keeping winning.
"To keep getting better. We have exciting players to come into the system, and I think we are going to get better."
With Itojo and several of his England team-mates clearly in exceptional form at such an early juncture of the season, there are only good vibes enveloping Sarries ahead of this Gallagher Premiership campaign.
And just as importantly, Steve Borthwick's rejuvenated national squad in the build-up to a fascinating Six Nations early next year.
Player of the Match: Maro Itoje (Saracens)
The towering lock was clearly on a high from helping English finish third in France from a successful World Cup excursion.
And got right down to business by scoring the first try before dominating large swathes of the line-out and supporting the creative powerhouse work of his forward colleagues.
Was replaced by Callum Hunter-Hill in the closing moments, and deservedly earned a huge ovation from the home fans.
Player Ratings
Saracens: Alex Goode 7, Sean Maitland 7, Alex Lozowski 7, Nick Tompkins 7, Elliot Daly 8, Owen Farrell (c) 8, Aled Davies 7; Mako Vunipola 7, Jamie George 8, Marco Riccioni 7, Maro Itoje 9, Nick Isiekwe 7, Andy Christie 8, Ben Earl 8, Billy Vunipola 8
Leicester Tigers: Mike Brown 7, Josh Bassett 7, Guy Porter 6, Dan Kelly 6, Ollie Hassell-Collins 7, Jamie Shillcock 8, Tom Whiteley 8; James Cronin 7, Charlie Clare 6, Will Hurd 7, Cameron Henderson 6, Sam Carter 6, Hanro Liebenberg 7, Tommy Reffell 7, Olly Cracknell 6
Match Highlights
15' AND THERE IS THE FIRST TRY! A lot of kicking so far, but Sarries show their class as Itoje rumbles over for the first try. Set up by Davies after the Earl charge. Farrell with the conversion. A 7-3 lead for Saracens. Superb play.
26' A SECOND TRY FOR SARACENS! Christie with a powerhouse finish after Leicester did well to hold up Farrell and Maitland. So, so slick from the home side. So many options.
42' ANOTHER TRY FOR THE HOME SIDE This time Billy Vunipola with the help of his brother goes over for a third try of the day before Owen Farrell adds the conversion and Sarries are running away with this match. They lead 21-3.
53' ANOTHER TRY FOR THE HOME SIDE! Jamie George shows his mettle to touch the ball done after another powerful drive. Smuggles the ball down and Farrell adds the two. A 26-3 lead for Saracens.
55' A TRY FOR THE TIGERS! Farrell with an unforced error as Leicester apply the pressure to close down space. The England captain has his pocket picked and over goes Tom Whiteley for his side's first try of the day. All happening.
68' ANOTHER TRY FOR LEICESTER! Shillcock gives Farrell the hand-off before racing over the line for another Tigers try. Superb move. Farrell none too happy with that moment. And he adds the conversion. Back to 29-17 in favour of Sarries.
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