Saracens upset the odds to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals, overcoming Leinster 25-17 in Dublin.
The visitors ran into an impressive 23-point lead, with Alex Goode scoring their only try and kicking the conversion and three penalties.
Alex Goode and Duncan Taylor combine for a sensational @Saracens try!
What a way to end a near-perfect first-half performance!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/yWvTYKpb3E
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
Elliot Daly completed Sarries tally for the opening 40 with two long distance three-pointers while Johnny Sexton got the hosts on the scoreboard with a single penalty.
Leinster rallied after the restart, and through tries from Andrew Porter and Jordan Larmour, both converted Sexton, they reduced the deficit to just five points, 17-22.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Goode kicked a penalty in the final minute to confirm victory for Saracens.
RUCK’S MAN OF THE MATCH: Alex Goode
Orchestrated an emphatic opening 40 and took his try very well. Who needs Owen Farrell?
STANDOUT PLAYERS
Duncan Taylor (Saracens): Combined brilliantly with Goode to set up his crucial first half try and stood up strong in defence, making 11 tackles.
Mako Vunipola (Saracens): A brute. Back from the treatment room, the loosehead looked back to his best. He put in a herculean effort in the scrum, while making 16 tackles in defence. Great news for Eddie Jones.
Maro Itoje (Saracens): He is a phenomenal player. This clip sums it up.
Wow, @maroitoje
A clip that sums up @Saracens today!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/6fFMGMHQ27
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
Jamie George (Saracens): Englandâs leading hooker without question. Made a match-high 20 tackles and was steady at the line-out
UNDERPERFORMERS:
Garry Ringrose (Leinster): The centre made just six metres from seven carries as he got bashed about by the Sarries defence all afternoon. He also missed two tackles and conceded a needless turnover.
Leinster vs Saracens player ratings
Saracens: Daly 7, Lewington 7, Taylor 8, Barritt (c) 7, Maitland 6, Goode 9, Wigglesworth 7; Mako Vunipola 8, George 8.5, Koch 8, Itoje 8, Swinson 7, Rhodes 7, Wray 7, Billy Vunipola 7.5
Leinster: Larmour 7, Keenan 5, Ringrose 5, Henshaw 6, Lowe 6, Sexton (c) 6, McGrath 6; Healy 6, Cronin 5, Porter 7, Toner 6, Ryan 7, Doris 6, Connors 7, Conan 6.
The post Goode 9, Itoje 8, Ringrose 5: Leinster vs Saracens player ratings appeared first on Ruck.
