KIDS BOSS THE CHIEFS
Sarries off to Dublin on a high
40 SARACENS head to Leinster on Mission Improbable in high spirits after their kids trounced Premiership leaders Exeter in north London.
Six days before they take on the Pro14 champions in Dublin for a place in the Champions Cup semi-finals, England’s fallen champions hammered an equally young Chiefs side with a five- try display at Allianz Park.
“That was such an energygiver for the boys going into this week ahead,” said Alex Sanderson, Saracens’ forwards and defence coach. “You can’t coach that kind of intent and togetherness, work rate and relentless physicality they showed.
“Leinster are a very, very good team and we’re huge underdogs. g But we’re not goi going to go there w without fight.”
Sarries took the field fresh from seeing Leinster beat U Ulster to win a th third straight Pro 14 and extend their perfect season to 23 wins.
With pretty much the team that will play in the Championship next season, they knew the potential existed for a d i f f icult day against the runaway league leaders, who had not lost since February and even in defeat were guaranteed finishing in top spot.
But with Manu Vunipola (above), the younger cousin of England stars Billy and Mako, pulling the strings expertly they won with plenty to spare.
Chiefs expected a reaction to their win at Sandy Park in December and to strong c r i t i c i sm from their camp over salary cap b reach e s which led to Sarries’ enforced relegation. But forewarned was not forearmed as Mark McCall’s youngsters took the game to them from the off, with Tom Whiteley and Vunipola putting Rotimi Segun over in just the fifth minute. Exeter briefly found a response with Phil Dollman, at 35 their oldest player, unpicking the defence with deft handling for Facundo Cordero to level.
But that was as good as it got for the visitors, as Dom Morris put Saracens 15- 5 ahead on the stroke of halftime, following fine work by Juan Pablo Socino.
Sarries were just warming to their task and an inchperfect kick from Vunipola put Elliott Obatoyinbo over on the left before Jaco Venter
ON THE CHARGE Morris breaks free to bag a fine try for Saracens marked his full debut with the bonus-point try on the hour.
By the time Dave Dennis bagged a consolation, 6ft 10in Cameron Boon had added Sarries’ fifth and thoughts had turned to Leinster.
It will be a heck of a lot tougher in Dublin, but with Mako Vunipola set to be fit, Sarries at least travel with a spring in their step.
SARACENS - Tries: Segun, Morris, Obatoyinbo, Venter, Boon. Cons: Vunipola 3. Pens: Vunipola 3.
EXETER - Tries: Cordero, Witty, Dennis. Con: Skinner.