Saracens run riot over Sale in European Cup

DEFENDING champions Saracens romped to a six-try 50-3 win over English rivals Sale to take a huge step closer to the European Cup quarterfinals.

Boosted by the return from international duty of England stars Jamie George, Owen Farrell, Mako Vunipola, George Kruis and powerful lock Maro Itoje, Saracens on Saturday claimed their third win in three games.

The bonus-point triumph allowed them to open a 10-point lead in Pool 3.

George, Marcelo Bosch, Sean Maitland (two), Chris Wyles and Richard Barrington scored tries, while Farrell added 13 points with the boot before Alex Lozowski took over kicking duties.

A sole Alan MacGinty penalty accounted for Sale’s points.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall later backed Farrell to skipper England in the Six Nations should Northampton’s Dylan Hartley be banned following his red card in Friday’s defeat to Leinster.

“Owen is ready. He’s one of those players who leads in every way because he leads from the front,” McCall said.

“Some of his defending in the second quarter was out of this world. He leads through his actions, but also through his communication with the team.”

Ulster edged Clermont 39-32 in a nine-try thriller as Munster and Glasgow also sent out markers.

The result saw Ulster go second in Pool 5 on nine points, three behind leaders Clermont, who picked up two bonus points despite the defeat.

There was more French heartbreak when last season’s losing finalists, Racing 92, went down in a 23-14 defeat by Glasgow.

Racing, featuring a glut of internationals including ex-All Black Dan Carter, currently sit last in Pool 1 with no points.

Munster are atop the pool after handing Leicester a record European loss, running out 38-0 victors at Thomond Park. – AFP