Lowly Exiles put to the sword by rampant Saracens
MARK McCall praised Alex Goode for another outstanding fullback performance as Sarries surged back to the top of the table above Exeter.
Goode was the inspiration that picked his side up from their first-half slumber and eventually helped them to a six-try win over lowly Irish.
Director of rugby McCall looked a little concerned at the break after the hosts had made so many uncustomary kicking and handling errors but was smiling at the end with a bonus-point win.
He said: “Alex was excellent whenever he got the ball and had some space to run. He’s always a dangerous player for us, and links up well with the others to create chances.
“We know how good he can be and we’ve benefitted from him not being picked by England. He’s never let the club down and maintains a high level of performance.”
Sarries had struggled to a 13-6 half-time lead with England fly-half Owen Farrell having an opening 40 minutes with the boot he will want to forget.
The usually dependable fly-half was badly off target and seemingly short of confidence after sending three successive penalties wide right of the posts.
Farrell finally hit the target with his fourth penalty attempt to cheers of relief from the home fans. By then Mako Vunipola had bulldozed over for the opening converted try and Exiles full-back Tom Bell had kicked two penalties.
Irish lost lock Teofilo Paulo to the sin-bin for a dangerous shoulder charge on Calum Clark on the stroke of half-time. Farrell’s penalty made it 13-6.
Farrell shrugged off his kicking problems to score a fine try from Liam Williams’ pass. Irish responded with their pack mauling its way over. Captain David Paice dropped on the ball for a try converted by Bell.
Yet, Sarries merely stepped up several gears and swept to a convincing victory with three quick tries. After a side-stepping race down the right Williams cut inside the last tackler to touch down and Farrell converted.
Goode’s superb break cut through the visitors and his pass was gathered by the supporting Chris Wyles who strolled over unchallenged.
Moments later replacement Nathan Earle was racing down the right flank to grab the fifth try with his first touch.
Earle surged over near the end for his second, and Sarries’ sixth, as Irish were glad to see the final whistle by the end of another big Premiership learning experience.
Irish rugby director Nick Kennedy admitted: “The sin-binning of Paulo was huge. Our defensive wall was strong and we were well in the contest at that stage up to half-time but Sarries then showed their class and skill, and we have to improve our discipline.”
England lock Nick Isiekwe was taken off early in the second half with concussion but will be okay to join up with the rest of Eddie Jones’ England squad for their trip to Portugal today.