McCall eyes Vunipola return after Saracens survive ‘real test’
Mark McCall admitted his champions had overcome a major test of character against strugglers Worcester, as they missed out on the summit but closed the gap on leaders Exeter. Sarries’ director of rugby revealed Billy Vunipola’s surgeon helped him make the decision to delay the flanker’s return by six days.
Vunipola will “definitely play” against Sale Sharks on Friday, making his comeback from a three-month absence with a broken left arm. But Saracens could certainly have done with his strength and power, as they made hard work of this victory, and missed out on a fourth try that would have given them the bonus point and top spot.
McCall said: “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.”
On Vunipola, he said: “Billy was close, but we decided to leave it a little longer after the surgeon didn’t like the angle of one of the X-rays. But Billy will definitely play at Sale.”
Warriors stunned their hosts with two early tries from Duncan Weir and Ben Te’o and led 17-11 at half-time before running out of steam.
Sarries gained the initiative thanks to their pack. Tries from Mako Vunipola, Calum Clark and replacement David Strettle ensured no shock result.
Alan Solomons, the Worcester director of rugby, said: “We lost and did not even get the bonus point we deserved but I am extremely proud of the guys. They played with great character