Saracens beat Harlequins 26-12 in play-off push
The Story
Saracens defeated Harlequins 26-12 at the StoneX Stadium, securing a bonus-point victory that boosted their Premiership play-off hopes and gave departing director of rugby Mark McCall a winning farewell at home. Theo Dan scored in the 81st minute to give Saracens a maximum five points, moving them two points above Exeter Chiefs into fourth place. Saracens built a 12-0 lead through a penalty try and a Max Malins score before Harlequins responded with a try from Bryn Bradley in the 62nd minute. Nick Tompkins and Cameron Anderson exchanged tries, and Dan’s late try sealed the bonus point. McCall, who has won three European Champions Cups and six Premiership titles in 15 years, said the team “got the job done.” Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore praised his team’s effort but noted they were not clinical enough. Saracens face Exeter in a decisive match for a play-off place on Saturday.
Key Facts
- Saracens beat Harlequins 26-12.
- Saracens scored tries: penalty try, Max Malins, Nick Tompkins, Theo Dan; Owen Farrell kicked two conversions.
- Harlequins scored tries: Bryn Bradley, Cameron Anderson; Marcus Smith kicked one conversion.
- Theo Dan scored in the 81st minute, giving Saracens a bonus point.
- Saracens moved two points above Exeter Chiefs into fourth place.
- Mark McCall’s final home game as director of rugby; he has won three European Champions Cups and six Premiership titles in 15 years.
- Chandler Cunningham-Smith was sin-binned in the seventh minute.
- Owen Farrell’s wife gave birth to a son overnight.
- Next match: Saracens face Exeter at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
Mark McCall – Saracens director of rugby; Jason Gilmore – Harlequins head coach; Theo Dan – Saracens player; Max Malins – Saracens player; Nick Tompkins – Saracens player; Bryn Bradley – Harlequins player; Cameron Anderson – Harlequins player; Owen Farrell – Saracens player; Marcus Smith – Harlequins player; Chandler Cunningham-Smith – Harlequins player; Cadan Murley – Harlequins player; Tom Willis – Saracens player; Olly Hartley – Saracens player; Will Evans – Harlequins player; Luke Pearce – referee.
Sources: BBC News
