Resilient Saracens keep their Champions Cup hopes alive
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Saracens put in a resilient performance against Racing 92 to keep their hopes of making the Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Following the news of their relegation at the end of the season, Mark McCall's side raced into an early 7 point lead just two minutes into the game.
However, they were rocked by an injury to Billy Vunipola who is suspected to have broken his arm again. He left the pitch just three minutes after the opening try.
Concern for Eddie Jones, who names his squad for the Six Nations tomorrow, with Billy Vunipola set to miss the tournament. https://t.co/IZ1n7FfJU7
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 19, 2020
Racing 92 were reduced to 14 men in the 10th minute as Teddy Iribaren was given a breather after he knocked down a pass.
Saracens pounced immediately with Jamie George powering over from a lineout drive but Virmi Vakatawa scored an opportunistic try as Saracens failed to deal with a Finn Russell kick and the inform centre went in untouched to score.
Owen Farrell added a penalty before Louis Dupichot pounced on a long pass by Owen Farrell to score before Vakatawa grabbed another as he linked up well with Finn Russell.
Things went from bad to worse for Saracens as Will Skelton was shown a straight red card for this late and high tackle.
When it rains it pours 😳
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 19, 2020
Will Skelton is sent off in the first-half for Saracens.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/nalCX1qSou
Teddy Iribaren would miss a penalty as Saracens trailed 17-21 at the break.
Maro Itoje grabbed a second try shortly after Iribaren converted a penalty as the pace of the game slowed down before Bernard Le Roux was shown a yellow card for a late hit on Owen Farrell.
Elliot Daly missed a shot at goal from the resulting penalty but Farrell converted 5 minutes later as Saracens managed to hold out to keep their hopes of making the playoffs for now.
We wait for the result in Toulouse with a bonus-point win for Gloucester sending the Cherry and Whites through.