Saracens maintained their 100% start to the season with a 36-12 bonus-point European Challenge Cup victory over Italian side Rovigo at Vicarage Road.

Kevin Sorrell, Don Barrell, Michael Horak and Rodd Penney all crossed while 19-year-old fly-half Jake Sharp, one of four debutants, kicked 14 points.

Wasps were made to work harder in their European opener before prevailing 18-13 against French outfit Racing Metro 92.

The Parisians led 10-9 at half-time but six Dave Walder penalties were enough.

The hosts conceded the game's solitary try to Racing flanker Ashley Clarke in the first half, but Walder's first three penalties ensured they stayed within striking range.

The French club's star signing, South African World Cup winner Francois Steyn, kicked a penalty, as did replacement Julien Saubade, but they had to settle for a losing bonus point as Walder's boot saw Wasps home.

Only the five pool winners are guaranteed quarter-final places, with the other three spots allocated to the third, fourth and fifth best runners-up in the Heineken Cup pools.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version