Saracens defeat Cardiff 40-33 to qualify for the quarter finals in a high scoring fixture at the StoneX stadium in North London, despite Cardiff putting up a fight for the full 80 mins. Cardiff dominated for the majority of the first half, leading 20-16 with only 20 minutes left, thanks to tries from Williams and Lane, both scoring at crucial points to put some nerves in the home sides fans. But the last 20 minutes of the fixture truly belonged to the hosts, scoring four tries inside 17 minutes. All of which had the involvement of the man of the match and saracens saviour, Max Malins.
The scoring was opened by the saracens outside centre Dom Morris, before Tomos Williams decided he had seen enough and scored a fantastic solo try, followed by a assist, passing to Owen Lane to bring Cardiff right back into the fixture. Cardiff’s defence was tight and well structured, meaning brilliance was required for the saracens to score, which was well met by Duncan Taylor, who delivered a no look pass to assist another Dom Morris try, and set up a nerving final stage of the game. Although Cardiff have been in poor form recently, only winning one from their last six games, there grittiness and determination meant the saracens were unable to keep ahead of the game, many of that comes from Cardiff’s Rhys Priestland, who scored a total of 16 points all from the tee, and emphasised yet again how much of a young talent he is. Owen Farrell to no surprise also had a huge part to play in the game, delivering a money ball offload for Malins to score in the dying stages of the game, as well as contributing 15 points from the tee, really emphasising yet again his class under pressure, and attitude towards the game. Although the final quarter of the game was dominated by the saracens, there was still time for Rhys Carre to score with a bit of time on the clock, but the saracens were able to hold out after a solid defence to see the game home.
Head director of rugby at Cardiff quoted “It was a one-score game for most of the game and it was again we could have one I feel. We left some points out there”. The blues have been poor this season in regard to results, but have played some strong rugby no doubt. From a Cardiff Perspective, it was a disappointing loss after getting within grasp of reaching the quarter finals, and would defiantly have boosted the teams moral looking ahead to the remainder of the season. The Saracens will now face Gloucester in the quarter final of the challenge cup later this month, which were sure will be another fantastic fixture of rugby!
A week in British Sport! 