Saracens player ratings: Saracens claimed a hard-fought 28-17 Champions Cup victory over Stade Français in Paris, although they were helped by some brain-rot ill-discipline from the home side.
Here’s how they rated:
1. Rhys Carre – 6
A mixed bag from the 132kg loosehead. Conceded a yellow card for leading with the elbow with a carry, but made his presence felt in the scrum before his departure.
2. Jamie George – 8
Rumbled over from a maul with all the subtlety of a bulldozer at a flower show. Led the pack with his trademark physicality and rugby IQ.
Best moments from the Investec Champions Cup | RPTV
The Boks Office crew discuss their best moments from the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup. Watch the full show on RugbyPass TV now
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Best moments from the Investec Champions Cup | RPTV
The Boks Office crew discuss their best moments from the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup. Watch the full show on RugbyPass TV now
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3. Marco Riccioni – 6.5
Solidish at the scrum. A quietly effective performance from the Italian tighthead.
Fixture
Investec Champions Cup
Stade Francais
Saracens
4. Maro Itoje – 7
A thorn in Stade’s side at the breakdown and reliable in the lineout. Was certainly a nuisance although, with three penalties to his name, he may have pushed the envelope a little too much.
5. Nick Isiekwe – 7
Put in a tireless shift, working hard in the tight exchanges and carrying with intent. Combined well with Itoje to dominate the lineout.
6. Theo McFarland – 8
Leapt like a salmon and carried like a runaway train. Stade must have felt like they were tackling a moving house every time he got the ball.
7. Ben Earl – 5.5
Sloppy. Tackled like a starving wolf but five turnovers conceded overshadowed his efforts. Unlucky to have a try ruled out but this was a little unrefined from the England ace.
8. Tom Willis – 8.5
A beast of a performance from Willis. The big No.8 made a crucial early tap tackle to stop a Stade break and carried relentlessly, racking up an impressive 57 metres. Played like a man who had mistaken Stade Jean Bouin for his personal playground.
9. Ivan van Zyl – 6.5
Provided quick service and took a heavy hit that led to Macalou’s red card. Kept the tempo high, ensuring Sarries took full advantage of their extra man.
10. Fergus Burke – 8
The architect of Saracens’ victory. Kicked brilliantly from the tee and controlled the game with poise. The Kiwi’s calmness under pressure was impressive.
11. Rotimi Segun – 7.5
Superb in the air and constantly harassed Stade’s backfield. Won key moments, including drawing the yellow card that led to Saracens’ second-half dominance.
12. Nick Tompkins – 7
A livewire in midfield, constantly testing Stade’s defence with his competent carries and dynamic running lines. Inches away from scoring a try after stretching for the line.
13. Lucio Cinti – 6.5
Didn’t have too many opportunities with ball in hand but was solid defensively, keeping Stade’s midfield threats under wraps.
14. Liam Williams – 8.5
Marked his return to Saracens with a brilliant try, finishing Daly’s superb pass with a touch of class. Threatened constantly on the wing and was unlucky to have an earlier effort ruled out.
15. Elliot Daly – 7.5
Recovered well from an early charged-down kick to play a key role in Saracens’ attacking moments. His pinpoint left-handed pass set up Williams’ try, and he was dependable in the backfield.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Theo Dan – 8
Made a significant impact off the bench, scoring the final try to seal the game.
17. Phil Brantingham – 6.5
Held his own in the scrum and worked hard in the loose.
18. Alec Clarey – 6.5
Made his presence felt with a few key tackles and solid scrummaging late on.
19. Harry Wilson – NA
20. Juan Martin Gonzalez – 7
Brought energy to the breakdown and helped Saracens maintain a physical edge.
21. Gareth Simpson – 6.5
Provided reliable service off the bench to close out the game.
22. Tiff Eden – NA.
23. Olly Hartley – 5
Didn’t have much time to make an impact but held his own in defence.
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