Sarries v Irish match report Mk II

The early season form suggested this would be a nailed-on home win, probably with a four try bonus point. However, an early kick off time (1pm) and some unseasonably warm weather combined with thoughts drifting to a rather bigger game at Twickenham later on, all contributed to creating a somewhat soporific atmosphere pre-match. It was an atmosphere that was to prevail for much of the game too.

Saracens dominated pretty much from first to last without ever looking convincing or particularly threatening. Following an initial forward drive by Irish, Saracens took control. They tried to stretch the Irish defence at every opportunity, getting the ball to the wide channels as quickly as possible. However, as we’re becoming increasingly used to in Saracen’s early season performances, it was all too lateral, with very little forward momentum. As such, it was a simple task for the Irish defence to drift across the pitch and stop the outside man before the gain line had been crossed. It was an issue compounded by the lack of the usual ‘big’ carriers; Barritt, Kruis or the Vunipola’s.

Saracens were denied an early try by Joubert after Ellery was adjudged to have put a foot in touch – it was a very tight call and the video evidence (from my seat in the East Stand) did not necessarily support the decision of the assistant referee. Their early dominance was eventually rewarded when Farrell converted a simple penalty following an Irish infringement at the scrum. The game continued in a similar vein, lots of Saracens possession, very little penetration. They did have the opportunity to extend the lead with two penalty attempts in quick succession, but Farrell drifted both efforts wide of the upright.

On 25 minutes, the inevitable happened. The visitors finally got some decent possession resulting in an ‘Ashtonesque’ break by Tikoirotuma, who was able to run 25 metres unopposed to score by the posts. Noakes added the conversion; against the run of play (but not necessarily unexpectedly!), Irish led 3-7.

The first half meandered on in similar fashion; no lack of effort or endeavour – very much a lack of creativity and execution.

Saracens were much more direct in the second half, with Gill being a prominent carrier. They reduced the deficit to a single point with an early Farrell penalty as the increased tempo and direction started to pay dividends.  On 49 minutes came probably the defining moment of the game. Ashton’s outside break was halted by a flying Tikoirotuma 15 metres from the try line. My initial thought was that it was a high tackle (particularly in light of the ‘new’ interpretation of that Law). The referee agreed and the Irish wing was sent to the sin bin. Recognising that this might be the time to strike, Saracens called for the cavalry as Brits, Barrington, Wigglesworth & Barritt all entered the fray. The impact was immediate as, from the resulting lineout, the refreshed forward pack drove over, the score going to Wray. Farrell was once again unsuccessful with the kick, but Saracens held the lead 11-7.

The next score also went the way of the home side and it was the result of some sustained pressure inside the Irish 22, combining powerful forward bursts with deeper running lines from the backs. An initial effort went begging when Ellery failed to hold onto the final pass from the ubiquitous Ashton. The respite was short lived though, as the next incursion saw Goode glide through to score by the left corner. Farrell finally got his kicking radar back and the lead now looked comfortable at 18-7 with 20 minutes remaining.

However, in traditional Saracens style, they failed to deal with the restart and a period of Irish pressure ended with Halavatau crossing for the visitor’s second try. Replacement outside half Geraghty added the conversion and once again it was a one-score game. The really disturbing aspect was that Irish had only threatened twice, and had scored two tries. That was some surprise given that they were the first tries conceded by Saracens in the Premiership this season.

However, Irish inability to deal with the restart resulted in a Farrell penalty, closely followed by another and Saracens had pulled out to a 10 point lead with less than 10 minutes to go. Irish had the chance to claim a losing bonus point but Geraghty was off target from 35 metres.

It was a fully deserved if not convincing victory for Saracens; they dominated both possession and territory.  In Itoje and Man of the Match Frazer, they had the best two players on the pitch – a combination that could prove pivotal to Saracens chances of success this season. They are both providing sufficient evidence at this early stage of the season that England would benefit from their work at the breakdown.

It is obviously very early in the season still but Saracens look like a team focused towards two big games in the near future - Toulouse & Ulster. Much of their play so far has given the appearance of pre-season training rather than real intent & tempo. London Irish look a team destined for a relegation battle, their games against Newcastle are already taking on meaningful proportion.

Next up for Saracens, a trip to The Gardens on Saturday – they will need to improve considerably if they are to record another famous away win.

Saracens: Goode; Ashton, Tompkins, Taylor, Ellery; Farrell, Spencer; Gill, George, du Plessis, Itoje, Hargreaves (capt), Wray, Fraser, Joubert.

Replacements: Brits, Barrington, Lamositele, Hamilton, Burger, Wigglesworth, Barritt, Wyles.

London Irish: Ojo; Maitland, Fowlie, Mulchrone, Tikoirotuma; Noakes, McKibbin; Smallbone, Paice, Aulika, Skivington (capt), Symons, Sinclair, Cowan, McCusker.

Replacements: Ellis, Court, Halavatau, Sheriff, Sisi, Steele, Geraghty, Lewington.

Referee: Greg Garner

Attendance: 7.932