Earl inspires Sarries romp

PEARLER: Ben Earl scores the first of his two tries BEN EARL gave England coach Eddie Jones a nudge after inspiring Saracens’ comeback win over Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Champions Cup.

Saracens’s 20-game unbeaten run at Allianz Park was under threat as they trailed 18-13 before replacement flanker Earl, who toured South Africa with England in the summer, crossed twice.

With Jones watching on, Earl helped Sarries blitz their opponents 51-25 to pick up a bonus-point in the second-half with further tries from Sean Maitland (2), Ben Spencer and

Christian Judge.

Saracens’ seven-try romp maintained their

100 per cent start in the competition as they moved top of Pool Three.

Sarries director of rugby Mark McCall said:

“We are pleased with how it finished, but we are dissatisfied overall.

Fit

“We know there are a number of things we can do a lot better, and we will need to next week.”

A big plus for Saracens was England prop Mako Vunipola (above) emerging unscathed after two months out with a calf injury and with a man-of-the match display.

England team-mate Maro Itoje (knee) is also expected to be fit for the start of February’s Six Nations.

McCall said: “From what I have been told, 100 per cent he will be fit for the start.”

Leicester kept their slim hopes alive by securing a four-try bonus point in their thrilling 36-26 defeat to Racing 92 in Paris.

But Geordan Murphy, Leicester’s caretaker coach, admitted he was not happy. The Tigers had Manu Tuilagi and Ellis Genge sin binned and Murphy said: “We had 20 minutes with 14 players and that hurts you.

“I’m never going to be happy with a loss. But I’m pleased that when a lot of things went against us, we stuck at it and kept playing for each other.”

Racing 92 remain top and the Tigers lie behind Ulster in third spot in Pool Four.