Colossus Itoje steals the show
THIS was supposed to be all about Owen Farrell v Danny Cipriani and a thunderous showdown between title rivals, but instead Maro Itoje dominated an occasion which became a glaring mismatch. Saracens delivered an ominous statement of intent to those hoping to challenge their domestic supremacy with a demolition of opponents who had arrived full of momentum and optimism. Two late consolation tries for Gloucester could not disguise the fact that they were put to the sword in north London. Cipriani was the subject of so much pre-match focus after being left out of England’s training squad. He has worked magic for his new club already this season but he couldn’t do it this time. His side were under the cosh, as Saracens’ renowned ‘Wolf Pack’ laid on a defensive masterclass. Itoje was a titanic figure, operating for most of the match at blindside flanker. He scored two tries, made countless tackles and turnovers, and carried time and again. He was not alone. Another of Saracens’ England forwards, Mako Vunipola, was similarly influential and earned the man-of-the-match award. The hosts were out of sight by half-time, leading 24-3. Sean Maitland had sent David Strettle hurtling into the corner early on, then Itoje made his mark. A towering kick by Farrell bounced off the underside of the crossbar and fell into the path of the home No 6, who gathered and touched down. Just before the break, he struck from a close-range lineout drive. Maitland and Alex Lozowski added further tries in the second half before Gloucester distorted the picture late on with scores from Mark Atkinson and Charlie Sharples. Gloucester head coach Johann Ackermann described Saracens’ display as ‘ruthless’. When asked about Cipriani’s shock England omission, he said: ‘Danny has experienced disappointment before. He can’t change it so he has to concentrate on what is ahead of him.’ Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said of Itoje: ‘He’s been great all season and he’s been great again today. He’s a guy in a hurry to be better.’