Sarries keep up their form for Europe

Saracens stepped up preparations for their European quarter-final against Leinster by crushing London Irish 40 -12 at Twickenham Stoop in the latest Gallagher Premier ship mismatch.

Already relegated from the top flight for repeated salary cap breeches, the double winners were close to full strength against opponents featuring nine academy representatives and won despite never finding top gear.

The line-out drive emerged as their most potent weapon with four tries plundered from the set-piece and, having exposed the Exiles’ Achilles heal, they exploited it ruthlessly with two-try hooker Jamie George and England team-mate Maro Itoje dominant.

Prop Richard Barrington also crossed twice, while there were touchdowns for Brad Barritt and Billy Vunipola, with the bonus point secured in the 35th minute.

Knowing they must spend next season in the second tier of English rugby, Saracens’ sole aim for 2019-20 is to retain the Champions Cup in a quest that resumes with a seismic quarter-final against Leinster on 19 September.