Saracens in typical style overpowered the opposition to blast past Quins, to once again be back at the final showdown in Twickenham. The pre-match trash talk from both sides definitely added fuel to what was certainly a fiery, heated match.
Quins naturally started as they meant to go on with their fast-paced game. A few penalties and early terrority allowed Quins to take Sarries on up front with the maul. But it wasn’t until we saw Smith with the ball in hand that it really kicked off with a silky step inside of his opposite number Farrell to put Care in under the sticks.
1-0 to Smith. But Farrell well and truly won in the end. A fantastic all-round display with an array of tactical kicking, a slick offload assist to Tompkins and a gruelling physical performance on the gain line. Likened by Jamie George to Michael Jordon in the Last Dance on the run up to the match, Farrell certainly delivered an MJ style high intensity performance.
But it was Saracens physical performance that epitomised the match. Illegal hits maybe overshadowed the true extent of the powerful performance, hits that in a regular season match would likely have seen red. But Tompkins, Farrell, Earle and Itoje continued to really throw their weight about.
To me, Quins seemed to play quite an odd game plan. A lot of one up runners off 9 allowed meant Saracens wall of defence were licking their lips. The gain line was truly won by Sarries and it meant Quins couldn’t get the go forward they desperately needed to play their usual game with width and pace.
Smith had little time in space, Marchant hardly touched the ball while Green and Jones were quiet in the back three. Saracens effectively shut off these running threats right at source at ruck time and Quins and Smith just had no answer.
Quins ultimately didn’t capitalise on the three yellows for Sarries and a number of pounding phases near the line. A Dombrant fumble from a tap 5 metres out and an incredible Nick Isiekwe try saver meant Sarries had that score board breathing space for the last 15 minutes when Quins are typically at their most dangerous.
But the final word must go to Earle, what a totally dominant display both in attack and defence. Only a week after claiming to top Prem player award, Earle showed why and proved his worth. If he doesn’t get picked for England this summer then its clear that Eddie Jones didn’t bother to watch this match!
This match was a little beyond Quins and Sarries were in the end, just too good for them. I am sure Sarries took great delight to beat Quins for their first Prem final in 3 years. Saracens are well and truly back in typical whopping and hollering fashion. But can they complete their ‘comeback’ at HQ on Saturday. My answer is emphatically “Come on Tigers!!!”.
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