Vunipola try signals Saracens fightback
MARK McCall admitted Billy Vunipola’s surgeon was the reason why the England No.8 failed to make the start as Sarries struggled to see off Warriors.
The director of rugby said medical advice persuaded him to remove Vunipola from the clash and instead wait for the visit to Sale on Friday night.
McCall, whose side missed out on top spot after failing to get the bonus point needed to catch Exeter, said: “Billy was very close but we decided to leave it a little longer after the surgeon decided he didn’t like the angle of one of the x-rays. But there’s no problem and Billy will definitely play at Sale.”
Tries from Mako Vunipola, Calum Clark and David Strettle saw off a brave Warriors bid to provide one of the shocks of the season. Instead, the visitors went home with nothing to show for their efforts.
McCall was upbeat despite the hard fought victor. “It was a difficult test and Worcester defended extremely well but the important thing was how we responded to the opening 15 minutes and showed the character to survive a real test.
“It was vital the players bounced back from the loss at Exeter last weekend and we got the win which keeps our momentum going.”
Warriors stunned their hosts with two early tries and led 17-11 at half-time before running out of steam with Sarries gaining the initiative thanks to their pack.
Scrum-half Duncan Weir converted his own try after four minutes when he raced over from a ruck.
Worcester were on the front foot, and when wing Perry Humphreys took a pass at full speed and sliced through to set up the second try, the small band of Warriors fans were celebrating more festive joy. Humphreys was hauled down by Ben Spencer but off-loaded to the supporting Ben Te’o to stroll over untouched with Weir converting for 14-0.
Farrell steadied the rocking Sarries’ boat by kicking his side’s first points and when Mako Vunipola burrowed over for a try normal service was about to be resumed.
Saracens’ giant lock Will Skelton unwittingly dropped the ball as he charged over the Warriors line while Weir and Farrell exchanged penalty blows.
But no matter how reso- lutely the visitors defended at the start of the second half, it was just a matter of time before the black wave found a hole or stretched them to breaking point.
Sarries’ handling left a lot to be desired until the ball was finally moved across the line from Nick Tompkins to Calum Clark, and the flanker marched across the line unchallenged with Farrell’s conversion nosing his side in front for the first time.
And when Farrell’s deft short pass to the oncoming David Strettle put the wing clear and across for a converted try the hosts had gained full control.
Worcester DoR Alan Solomons enthused: “We did not even get the bonus point we deserved but I am extremely proud of the guys. They played with great character and scored two fine tries, and really took the game to a very good Sarries team.”