CROCK SHOCK FOR SARRIES
Bath backing Freddie after his ‘try’ blunder
FREDDIE BURNS has been backed to come through the most embarrassing moment of his career.
The day after the nightmare before, Burns’ howler was still the talk of rugby – having cost Bath a major European scalp and brought ridicule on himself.
The England international’s failure to ground the ball for a late try after blowing a kiss and touching the badge on his jersey, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Toulouse.
Jackson Willison, who slapped his team-mate on the back in frustration after seeing the try stolen from him by Maxime Medard’s never-say-die intervention, said: “It’s important we get behind Fred.
“It’s going to take a couple of days to get over that loss but he put his hand up, said sorry and we move on.
“No one is going to be as disappointed as Fred. He is always the guy at training first and finishing last.”
Rhys Priestland, who seconds before Burns’ blunder had missed a match-winning penalty from in front of the posts, said: “We need him to come into training this week with the swagger he always brings. He’s a big character.
“It’s an uphill battle but we’re not going to throw out this competition.” POOL ONE TABLE
P W D L F A B Pts 1 1 0 0 52 3 1 5 1 1 0 0 22 20 0 4 1 0 0 1 20 22 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 52 0 0 Leinster Toulouse Bath Wasps MARK McCALL was left counting the cost of Saracens’ bruising battle in Glasgow.
The Londoners opened their Champions Cup campaign with a win – but the match left its mark on some of their top players.
Mako Vunipola (above) and brother Billy both went off, while their England team-mates Maro Itoje and Jamie George suffered broken noses.
That could give Eddie Jones a headache as he prepares to name his England squad on Thursday for the November internationals. Director of Saracens Cdf Blues Lyon Glasgow P W D L F A B Pts 1 1 0 0 13 3 0 4 1 1 0 0 30 21 0 4 1 0 0 1 21 30 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 13 0 0
rugby McCall’s concern is how many of his stars will be available for Saturday’s visit of Lyon.
After victory thanks to a Mike Rhodes try and eight points from the boot of Owen Farrell, McCall said: “Mako’s is a calf injury, Billy’s an arm. It’s too early to say how serious they are.
“Owen Farrell got a bang on his knee but seemed to be OK. Maro and Jamie both have broken noses – so it was a tough old game. It’s a bit of a worry for next weekend.”