HEROIC’ WIN FOR SARRIES
MARK McCALL reckons this was his proudest day as Saracens boss as he watched his patched-up heroes secure a home Euro quarter-final.
The champs were missing seven internationals – including the Vunipola brothers and George Kruis – but still came out on top in this Champions Cup Pool 3 clash, with Chris Ashton landing the knock-out blow.
Ashton got the game’s only try – against his future employers – on the hour when he made a mug of double World Cup winner Ma’a Nonu to touch down.
Then it was blood and guts stuff from Sarries as threetime winners Toulon threw the kitchen sink at them... but they held on.
McCall (above) has won the lot with the club but he insisted this afternoon in north London topped anything his side had achieved before.
He said: “It was because we like to judge ourselves on simple things – mostly effort. Everybody knows who is not playing and the disruption we have had and for us to go toe-to-toe against their fullstrength side was extremely good. There were some coming-of-age performances.
“It was a great team effort. It has been a tough but a brilliant three weeks for us. Down to 14 men against Exeter two weeks ago, a draw against Scarlets last week and a heroic performance today. “When we need it most they find a way.”
That is 15 games unbeaten in Europe now and no one will fancy a trip to Allianz Park after this. Jackson Wray was everywhere and Will Skelton and Michael Rhodes both pulled off try-saving tackles as their backs-to-the-wall effort in the last 10 minutes got Sarries through.
Toulon’s losing bonus point means they nick a quarter-final spot as a best runner-up and are still alive in the tournament.
Boss Mike Ford said: “How we didn’t score I don’t know. But it is job done for us.”