Mako praise but Sarries left shocked
Saracens 34 London Irish 34
MARK MCCALL tipped Mako Vunipola to force his way back into the England side after watching in horror as Saracens were left shell-shocked by an incredible Irish fightback.
The Saracens boss saw Vunipola shrug off the disappointment of being snubbed from Eddie Jones’ autumn plans to score a try in a fine display by the prop at Stonex Stadium.
Yet he too was left feeling distraught at the end as, after he was replaced in the 63rd minute, 14-man Irish battled back with four tries to snatch an unlikely draw.
Mccall said: “I would imagine if something happens to Joe Marler or Ellis Genge, Mako would be the next in line.
“When he left the field today it was 34-8. Which may or may not say something about his influence.”
Tries from Tom Woolstencroft, two from Rotimi Segun, Ben Earl and Vunipola had put the hosts in complete control. Irish had just a Paddy Jackson penalty and a Kyle Rowe try to their name.
And they had been down to 14 men following lock Adam Coleman’s 23rd-minute sending-off for a high, shoulder hit to Jackson Wray’s head.
But Irish rallied as Rowe completed a hat-trick and
Nick Phipps and captain Matt Rogerson both crossed.
Rowe grabbed his final try in the final minute and replacement fly-half Rory Jennings (above) showed real nerves to kick the matchdrawing conversion.
Toby Fricker scored two tries as Bristol ensured Worcester extended their miserable away record as they crashed to a 27-5 defeat at Ashton Gate.
Sale were comfortable
30-6 winners at home to Northampton Saints while a late Brett Connon penalty earned Newcastle Falcons a thrilling 15-14 win away at Exeter Chiefs.