THE GOODE TIMES FOR SARRIES IN A
ALEX GOODE led Saracens to an astonishing European Cup triumph against all the odds in Dublin last night. The stand-in stand-off was given the massive task of filling in for banned playmaker Owen Farrell. He responded with a 19-point haul, including the try which put the game out of Leinster’s reach and booked a semi-final against Racing in France next Saturday.
This was a win few thought possible given Leinster’s unbeaten season, Saracens’ relegation and the fact half of last year’s cup-winning team had left.
But the Londoners are never more dangerous than when written off. They destroyed the Leinster scrum, forcing seven penalties, and defended as if their lives depended on it. The game’s top five tacklers, all forwards, wore black.
Team boss Mark Mccall was understandably reluctant to single out individuals but admitted: “Alex is such an experienced player, with such good temperament, and he showed that all the way through.
“This group of players never ceases to amaze us given everything that has happened this year. They have been through a hell of a lot together. To produce a performance of that quality and unity says a lot.”
With Leinster, unbeaten in 25 games, Saracens got out of the traps fast to show they have retained the champion attitude responsible for three titles in four years.
Vincent Koch and
Mako Vunipola dropped anchor in the scrum, Maro Itoje made two key turnovers and within 12 minutes Goode’s boot had them 9-3 ahead.
Leinster, second best in every facet, were rattled. By the half-hour mark the lead was 12 points, Elliot Daly’s boot adding two penalty goals from his own half.
Still Saracens pressed. Mike Rhodes won a lineout, Jamie George and Duncan Taylor
Goode (4), Daly (2).
unpicked the home defence and there was Goode to scamper away for the try.
The lead was 22-3, even greater than the 22-6 deficit Leinster overturned to break Northampton hearts in the 2011 final.
But Leinster had next use of the wind, the stronger bench and a belief their opportunity would come. So it proved, with prop Andrew Porter claiming their first try soon after the restart and Jordan Larmour finishing off a brilliant move on the hour.
Saracens needed to stop the bleeding and Goode delivered again, landing the late penalty which sealed victory and sparked a mass celebration.