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Farrell dominates Cipriani, bagging monster points haul on way

By Peter Thompson
Owen Farrell signals to take another shot at goal in his semi-final masterclass

Owen Farrell scored 27 points in an outstanding all-round display as Saracens beat Wasps 57-33 in a record-breaking thriller at Allianz Park to reach the Premiership final.

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Farrell delivered on the big stage yet again on a glorious Saturday in London, England’s captain for the tour of South Africa breaking the record for points scored in a semi-final and playing an integral role in getting Sarries back to Twickenham.

The magnificent Farrell produced a kicking masterclass, on target with all 11 strikes from the tee to go over the 100 points mark in Premiership semi-finals, and was superb in attack and defence in a clinical performance from Mark McCall’s men.

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Sarries laid the foundations with a ruthless first-half performance, the forwards outmuscling Wasps as they opened up a 23-5 lead at the break, Alex Lozowski and Vincent Koch crossing before Willie le Roux’s try got Wasps up and running.

Chris Wyles scored a record fifth Premiership semi-final try, while Juan Figallo, Maro Itoje and Ben Spencer also dotted down in a frenetic second half and Farrell stayed perfect from the tee to seal a showdown with Exeter Chiefs or Newcastle Falcons next week.

Wasps rallied in the second half, Le Roux, Jake Cooper-Woolley, Thomas Young and Christian Wade scoring in a breathless encounter as the two sides set a record for points scored in a Premiership semi-final, but they never really recovered from Saracens’ first-half onslaught.

Farrell displayed his class to create the first try just a minute in, making an incisive break down the middle and showing great awareness to set up Lozowski to open the scoring.

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Mako Vunipola and Itoje were dominant as Sarries bullied Wasps, Koch powering his way over and Farrell bisecting the posts with all five shots at goal in a one-sided first half, Le Roux giving Dai Young’s side some hope by finishing in the corner. 

Wyles stung Wasps again by scoring a try in his final home match, but last year’s runners-up – who lost Jack Willis to a knee injury late in the first half – hung in there and were only 10 points adrift midway through the second half.

Cooper-Woolley crossed before Wade broke through to lay on a score for Young, then Le Roux was on hand to finish for a second time following good work from Guy Thompson.

Farrell kept Saracens, back-to-back champions before being dethroned by Exeter 12 months ago, ticking from the tee and the home side made sure with further scores from Figallo and the excellent Itoje.

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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