Saracens (18) 37
Tries: Saull 2, Brits, Tagicakibau, Joubert Cons: Hougaard, Jackson 2 Pens: Hougaard 2
Harlequins (8) 18
Tries: Brooker, Monye, York Pen: Clegg

Ernst Joubert (left) and Andy Saull both scored in Saracens' rout

Saracens demolished Harlequins at Wembley to make a place in the play-off semi-finals all the more likely.

Two scintillating Andy Saull tries, the latter a contender for the score of the season, sent Saracens ahead early on.

Schalk Brits extended Saracens' lead before Michael Tagicakibau and Ernst Joubert completed a comfortable win.

Chris Brooker's try had given Quins an early foothold but they then waited until the last moments for consolations from Ugo Monye and Chris York.

The Wembley pitch, under close scrutiny having been criticised following last week's FA Cup semi-finals, enjoyed a quiet afternoon and had no bearing on a game Saracens dominated.

Saracens' record Wembley crowd this season, 47,106, watched superb South African Brits play his part in the creation of both of Saull's tries before adding to the tally himself.

The bonus-point victory may go a long way to securing Saracens a top-four finish, but Quins lie six points off the top six having played a game more than Bath.

Abysmal defending made it far too easy for Saracens to breach their line, and their problems deepened when Mike Brown was sin-binned for a succession of professional fouls.

The only highlight for Quins was a late, futile flurry that saw Monye and York cross when the outcome had already been decided - producing a scoreline which flattered the visitors.

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter:

"Schalk Brits is a special player and must be one of the three best hookers in the world.

"Without a doubt he's the most talented hooker with the ball in hand and defensively. If I was South Africa coach, there wouldn't be an issue.

"He's got something you can't coach. It's special. Hats off to an incredible performance by a hooker today."

Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea:

"Brits is an absolutely amazing rugby player. He was phenomenal.

"He's up there with the best in the world. His step, his speed, he's literally everywhere."

Saracens: Goode, Tagicakibau, Powell, Barritt, Penney, Hougaard, Marshall, Aguero, Brits, Du Plessis, Vyvyan, Ryder, Melck, Saull, Joubert.

Replacements: Ratuvou for Powell (59), Jackson for Hougaard (41), de Kock for Marshall (55), Lealamanua for Aguero (69), Ongaro for Brits (59), Skuse for Du Plessis (69), Botha for Ryder (51), Burger for Saull (41).

Harlequins: Brown, Strettle, Lowe, Turner-Hall, Williams, Clegg, Care, Jones, Brooker, Andress, Percival, Robson, Guest, Skinner, Easter.

Replacements: Tiesi for Lowe (63), Monye for Williams (55), Dickson for Care (74), Croall for Jones (58), Cairns for Brooker (45), Johnston for Andress (63), Stevenson for Percival (63), York for Guest (78).

Sin Bin: Brown (58).

Att: 47,106.

Ref: Martin Fox (RFU).

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version