365 Sporting Days

It was another ‘interesting’ week in the world of rugby union. Owen Farrell, England and Saracens captain announced his plan to step away from the international game for the duration of the 6 Nations, at least. He and by default his young family have been under almost unprecedented pressure via both media outlets and the social media world where their diatribe finds most of its readers. The nastiness he’s faced across various platforms has been damaging in the extreme at times. With his personal character along with his playing persona being criticised, the pile on then happened from so called rugby fans from far and wide. But also from those who purport to support England, it’s been awful seeing this unassuming lad torn apart from all directions.

All club fans believe their player, the one they watch week in, week out, deserves the England shirt that bears their club number (if they are of course eligible) But that, is no excuse for the hate that’s been thrown the way of Owen Farrell. As a player and man he’s the ultimate competitor and would be a player most fans would be happy to see in their own team. His team mates , whether that be, Saracens, England or the Lions have nothing but good to say about him. How many young men would remember to make the Joining Jack sign after virtually every kick he’s taken as a pro. I even wrote an article about that after seeing him criticised for it a few years ago!

Dan Biggar faced a similar judgement to Farrell after his temper flared during a World Cup match, from Saracens fans too, which felt like the ultimate irony to me, He’s another man whose team mates have nothing but good things to say. Let’s see if this causes some to step back and have a think on their part to play in all of this, as I type I’m watching him signing autographs galore before this match started, something he always does when asked.

On to a match I’d rather not re-live, it was too cold on the day to watch, take the odd photo and type, so here I am on Monday afternoon getting ready to watch something I know I’m not going to enjoy – but, needs must!

Maro Itoje was the stand in captain for this one, I first watched him as captain for the Saracens Storm team, he also captained England U20’s to a World Cup win. I had 3 delightful Saints fans sat next to me who’d come on the coach from Northampton, I almost couldn’t be upset by the end result after the way Saracens had won last year, I believe I had the words Daylight Robbery in the title of my report!

Manu Vunipola was picked at 10 for Saracens yet it was Alex Goode who did most of, if not all of the kicking from hand during the game, including the kick offs. We had an early line out after a great kick by George Furbank and a return by Goode. Theo McFarland stole that line out, but the ball was lost by Saracens. Fin Smith showed his skills with a lovely chip over the Saracens defence, he collected the ball to keep it live for Saints. The ultimate result however was a penalty for Saracens, won by Ivan Van Zyl.

The next penalty went the way of Saints, but Andy Christie won a penalty for Saracens in front of their own posts. Saracens spent little time in the Saints half, and a high kick gave the ball back got Saints after this resulting line out.

Saracens had one good break in the first half, with Theo Dan showing his strength and speed, ref link wasn’t working in the first half, but I think I’d have liked a look at the hit on Dan as he was running through. I’m not convinced it wasn’t a a hit with the shoulder.

Play moved on and Saints were awarded a penalty a long way out but in front of the posts, unusually Fin Smith kicked the ball wide. Saracxebs had another attacking spell, but Manu Vunipola dropped the ball on his feet and it was lost. Tom Parton dealt with a very good kick really well, he’s settled in well at Saracens, especially out on the wing.

Juan Martin Gonzalez gave away a penalty in the ruck and Smith made no mistake with this one, it was at a slight angle, but much closer. That put Saints in the lead, a position that didn’t change throughout the match. Smith added another penalty on 27 minutes; Saracens went for the corner 6 minutes later rather than the posts, a tactic that’s worked we for them this season, but the Saracens defence held firm and Cinti kicked the ball on as it was passed out. Saints then defended a second penalty well as Saracens brought th maul down after the line out. Courtney Lawes doing Courtney Lawes things, which are so often excellent. The teams went in at half-time with the score on Saracens 0 Saints 6.

Th first try of the game came after Saints ran the ball out of their own half, Furbanl made a lovely break and playing with a penalty in their pocket Fraser Dingwall put a lovely kick up for Ollie Sleightholme who had an easy run in to score. Lawrence Dallaglio, was annoying as ever on comms, he was very disappointed Saracens didn’t get a card for that penalty. The conversion was good, taking Saints to 13.

A couple of penalties saw Saracens attacking the Saints line, strange that Dallaglio wasn’t calling for a card after 3 penalties given away in the red area. Itoje must’ve queried that fact as Christophe Ridley could be heard explaining they were all difference offences. The Saints defence kept the Saracens forwards out, but an excellent long pass by Manu V to Parton on the wing saw him run in with a clear line. The conversion hit the posts.

Alex Mitchell had come on as a sub and he scored the next try, a brilliant effort, he dummied Alex Goode forcing him to the outside player, no one else was near enough to catch him and he scored a cracker! The conversion hit the posts.

Saracens had the last word score wise, he subs had made a difference for the home team and it was Alex Lewington who was there to touch down a lovely kick through by Goode, both the kick and the finish were class. The conversion was good but those 7 points were too little too late and Saints had a deserved win, they were the better team throughout and Lawes was the deserved Player of the Match. Saracens seemed rudderless for most of the match, they very much missed both the leadership and play of Owen Farrell.

Both teams move onto the Champions Cup next week, I nearly wrote European Cup, but Saracens travel to South Africa, so it isn’t quite that!