McCall relishes Burger display in Sarries romp
SARACENS boss Mark McCall labelled Jacques Burger brilliant after his all-action display continued their 100 per cent record in Aviva Premiership Rugby yesterday, this time at the expense of Gloucester.
The 30-year-old flanker, involved from the first whistle to the last as Sarries ran out 44-12 winners at Allianz Park, was the victim of a stamp from visiting prop Nick Wood after just 73 seconds.
Wood saw red and, despite a valiant battle from Gloucester, who went in at half-time 12-10 ahead, Saracens ran in five tries for a second consecutive win and another bonus point.
Joel Tomkins touched down in the first half and David Strettle twice in the second along with Schalk Brits and Billy Vunipola, while fly-half Owen Farrell kicked four conversions and three penalties.
“Jacques was given man of the match and we all know the couple of years he’s had,” McCall said of Burger, who has fought back from serious knee injury.
“To come back and put in the performances he has given so far against London Irish and again [yesterday], it’s brilliant for him and it’s brilliant for the club.”
On Saturday England wing Marland Yarde scored two tries as London Irish beat Worcester 20-18, although the Exiles’ first victory of the new season was not safe until four minutes from time, when Ian Humphreys slotted a penalty. “Marland is as good as there is in the game right now,” said Irish boss Brian Smith.
Wasps’ wait for a maiden win will extend to a third match after they fell 30-26 to Exeter, wing Tom James grabbing a double himself at Sandy Park.
Harlequins, who narrowly beat Wasps in round one, were not so lucky second time out as they lost 13-6 to Northampton on Friday.
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