Lasike makes Mccall sweat in tense battle
SARACENS 38 HARLEQUINS 24
SARACENS director of rugby Mark Mccall admitted his side only just avoided defeat after emerging victorious from a tight contest against Harlequins.
The relegated champions surged 28-3 ahead but were reeled in
31-24 as Quins staged a finalquarter comeback inspired by the arrival of bulldozing United States centre Paul Lasike from the bench.
Mccall said: “We were pretty good in the first half, we were in control at that stage, but we were very sloppy in the last 20 minutes.
“It’s a good win against a good side but I think we did some things that allowed Quins to get themselves back in the game.
“They put us under real pressure and it was game on for the last five minutes so we are grateful to come away with the win.”
Owen Farrell marked his 200th appearance for Saracens by making his comeback from a tight quad that forced him to miss the restart opener against Bristol.
“Owen’s contribution over the time he has been with us has been incredible. He was outstanding again in this game,” Mccall said.
Quins head of rugby Paul Gustard said: “We were the more dominant team in the second half but we couldn’t quite control the field in that final minute.”
Quins’ fightback hinged on the 57th-minute arrival of Lasike who used his strength to score two tries.
Gustard said: “Paul is a big, strong boy. There aren’t many people who can carry the ball into direct contact as well as he can. He relishes that part of the game.” SARACENS: Tries: Maitland, Itoje, Davies, Lewington.
Cons: Farrell (3). Pens: Farrell (4).
HARLEQUINS: Tries: Lasike (2), Steele. Cons: Smith (3). DGS: Smith.