If we needed any further evidence that Saracens were all the way back as European competitors, then their 28 – 20 win away at Lyon was exactly that.
Whilst we may well be closing out the year 2022, this Saracens performance was right out of their mid 2010s catalogue.
Power upfront complimented by a highly efficient strike running game saw the Londoners home for what will almost certainly prove to be a crucial away win.
Key to everything that Sarries did well was Hooker Jamie George who was simply everywhere as he burrowed over for a maul try whilst getting stuck into just about every forward exchange.
One area few would’ve expected to see George’s name pop up was going to be the kicking stats.
In what transpired to be the killer blow for a Lyon victory, Sarries began a brilliant counterattack deep in their own 22.
Following a slight break, the ball was shifted to George who had to make a quick decision whether to try beat the last defender or find support.
Instead, the Hooker took option three and put in a beautifully weighted grubber kick that bounced incredibly well for an on rushing Sean Maitland.
From there the winger did the rest as he sprinted home to finish this exceptional piece of counter attacking skill.
Take a bow @J_George2 🙌@Saracens turn defence into attack and the @EnglandRugby hooker comes up with a perfect kick for Sean Maitland to gather.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/eIO1ISP5RG
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 17, 2022
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