MARK MCCALL’S SARACENS secured a try-scoring bonus point in a 30-23 victory over Clermont at Allianz Park to move to the top of Pool 1 in the Champions Cup.
Two tries each from wing duo Chris Ashton and David Strettle, as well as 10 points from the boot of out-half Charlie Hodgson, mean the Premiership side will travel to Thomond Park with some confidence next weekend.
Munster’s dramatic win over Sale earlier today had seen Anthony Foley’s side move to the top of Pool 1, but Sarries ability to cross the whitewash meant the Irish province only held that position for a matter of hours.
Hooker Schalk Brits, a crucial player for McCall, suffered a knee injury late on against Clermont, leaving him in serious doubt for the trip to Munster. More positively for Sarries, Owen Farrell played the closing minutes having recovered from a recent leg injury.
Clermont picked up a losing bonus point that may prove important in the long-term, but will have been left deflated not to claim an away win, particularly having been in a good position at 23-20 with 30 minutes left.
Frank Azéma’s charges scored two tries of their own through New Zealander Zac Guildford, one of which came directly from the tactic of aerially bombarding Saracens with high kicks, a clear indicator of weakness that Munster may look to pounce on in Limerick.
That said, it was a garryowen from Saracens which resulted in the winning try, as Guildford allowed the ball to bounce off his chest, from where it rebounded for Ashton to scoop up and score.
Out-half Camille Lopez impressed for the Top 14 side, continuing his strong form since joining the club from Perpignan during the summer. However, Saracens played out a convincing closing 10 minutes to seal their victory.
Elsewhere, Gregor Townsend’s Glasgow Warriors laid down an impressive marker in Pool 4, scoring five tries in a 37-10 win over Bath at Scotstoun.
Outside centre Mark Bennett dotted down twice, while Niko Matawalu, Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland also crossed the whitewash. Duncan Weir’s 12 points off the tee rounded out a wholly convincing performance from the Warriors.
Toulouse host Montpellier tomorrow in the second Pool 4 meeting of the weekend, but Glasgow have sent out a message that their growth in recent seasons is likely to extend into European competition.
