Our big players stood up well says McCall

OWEN Farrell earned the praise from Saracens boss Mark McCall after his commanding 27-point display against Wasps, which overhauled the previous best semi-final tallies of 20 by Nick Evans and Mark van Gisbergen.

McCall said it was not only Farrell’s marksmanship that was outstanding. “Owen had a brilliant game and was outstanding for us. It is going to be a big call for Eddie where he plays him in South Africa. For me his best position is at 10, but I know Owen is happy to play wherever is best for the team.”

McCall continued: “He did everything well. He place-kicked well, he ran our attack and he defended pretty well – he made some good tackles.”

He added that Farrell was not alone. “A lot of big players really stood up. This is our fourth final in five years and we have been in three Champions Cup finals in five years – and to have those kind of tallies is an incredible achievement from the whole group – but we want to go and win it now.”

Wasps rugby director Dai Young acknowledged his side were beaten by a more complete side: “Sarries were worthy winners and you have got to put your hand up and say they were the far better team. Every time we scored some points they came back with a counterpunch. We have got to look at ourselves.”

Young also said that injured flanker Jack Willis looked doubtful to tour with England. “It is not looking great. He will have to have a scan. He had a hyperextension of his knee which is never great. He is in a brace and on crutches and they think it is serious enough to have a scan straight away.”

Young added: “He has had a fantastic breakthrough season. He was going with the right attitude and hopefully it is not too bad but I would be surprised if it is anything that is going to be right in a week or two.”