Saracens battle past Cardiff to stay top

It was the two-time European champions Saracens that got off to the better start with Scotland international Sean Maitland finishing excellently in the corner. Owen Farrell converted the wing’s effort.

A successful penalty kick from from Owen Farrell extended their advantage but Cardiff hit back through a well-work move off the scum with centre Rey Lee-Lo crossing over. Anscombe added the extras to further reduce the deficit.

📸 | What a try! Maitland beats four men on the way to the opening score. ⚫️🔴 pic.twitter.com/mANfcEljig

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 15, 2018

A chip in behind Saracens’ defence from fly-half Anscombe was collected by Garyn Smith who put in full-back Dan Fish for a simple finish to give the Blues a 14-13 lead at half-time.

Farrell scored two penalties to put the English side back ahead after the break but when lock Will Skelton was sent to the bin, Cardiff sniffed an upset in front of a home crowd.

However, Saracens used all their experience to hold off the Blues and the Heineken Man of the Match, Jamie George, ensured they travelled back to London with their unbeaten record in tact, scoring a try from a line-out.

Cardiff travel to Scotstoun Stadium in Round 5 to face Glasgow Warriors, while Saracens head to Lyon on Sunday 13 January, 2019. 

Story via: epcrugby