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Investec Champions Cup, Pool One
Sharks (21) 28
Tries: Kolisi, Fassi, Van der Merwe, Williams Cons: Whitehead 4
Saracens (15) 23
Tries: Dan, Spink, Willis Cons: Burke Pens: Burke 2
Saracens’ ill-discipline proved costly as they fell to a 28-23 Investec Champions Cup defeat by the Sharks in torrential rain in Durban.
The Prem side were set to take a hard-earned lead into the half-time break but a late tackle by Saracens captain Andy Onyeama-Christie gave the ball back to the Sharks.
The South African side powered up the field and punished Saracens by freeing up Edwill van der Merwe to go over in the corner for a 21-15 lead.
With Saracens trailing by just three points midway through the second half, hooker Theo Dan was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.
Almost immediately the home side extended their lead to 28-18 when Springbok scrum-half Grant Williams sprinted over.
With supreme effort, Saracens cut the gap to five points through Tom Willis’ try, but the Sharks held on under pressure to secure their first win in Pool Three in JP Pietersen’s first game since taking over as head coach.
Saracens, who left out experienced stars Maro Itoje, Jamie George and Owen Farrell, claimed a losing bonus point to move to six points following their bonus-point home win last weekend.
After South Africa captain Siya Kolisi gave his team an early lead, it looked ominous for a Saracens side showing 10 changes from their opening win over Clermont Auvergne.
Saracens responded well with a try through livewire Dan, which was confirmed when referee Luc Ramos ruled out a possible obstruction in the maul by Harry Wilson.
Mark McCall’s side took the lead when Sam Spink touched down unopposed after Aphelele Fassi failed to gather a wet ball on the slide from Elliot Daly’s cute kick through.
Fergus Burke kicked a penalty to extend Saracens’ lead to 15-7, but Fassi’s try cut the visitors’ advantage before Onyeama-Christie’s late hit on Williams changed the momentum of the match.
Another Burke penalty brought Sarries within range but their task got harder when Dan was sent to the sin-bin for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Makazole Mapimpi.
Ethan Hooker made the crucial break to give Williams the opportunity to sprint over for the home side’s fourth try.
Despite being a man down, Saracens muscled their way into the corner and the impressive Willis battled through the mass of bodies to touch down and set up a tense finale.
What’s next?
Saracens host six-time winners Toulouse in the third round of pool matches on Sunday, 11 January, after the Sharks take on Sale on Saturday, 10 January.
Sarries return to Prem action next Saturday when they welcome Exeter to StoneX Stadium.
Line-ups
Sharks: Fassi; Van der Merwe, Hooker, Esterhuizen (capt), Mapimpi; Whitehead, Williams; Ganyane, Mbonambi, Jacobs, Jenkins, Van Heerden, Kolisi, Tshituka, Buthelezi.
Replacements: Swart, Mazibuko, Mdanda, Orie, Romao, Hatton, Jaden Henrikse, Jordan Henrikse.
Saracens: Daly; Segun, Spink, Hartley, Hall; Burke, Bracken; Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Isiekwe, Wilson, McFarland, Onyeama-Christie (capt), Willis.
Replacements: Hadfield, O’Driscoll, Street, Tizard, Michelow, Earl, Simpson, Losowski.
Yellow card: Dan (58)
Match officials
Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)
Assistant referees: Kevin Bralley (Fra) and Flavien Hourquet (Fra)
TMO: Julien Castaignede (Fra)
