Saracens defeated Racing Metro 12-11 in the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup this weekend, but only found victory with the final kick of the match.
An incredibly close fought affair between the French giants and last year’s finalists Saracens brought only one try, and the result wasn’t decided until the last minute of play.
Man of the match, Racing Metro scrum-half Maxime Machenaud, displayed an all round masterclass in game management and distribution, not to mention scoring all of his team’s points, but his performance alone wasn’t enough to defeat the English club.
Despite leading at the break 6-5, Saracens went behind in the second-half and for all their efforts it looked as if they were going to finish the match second best. Error strewn attacking play constantly handing possession back to the home side, and the visitor’s could see their European campaign slipping away.
Within the final minute, Racing were attempting to run down the clock and defend their two point lead by maintaining possession on their own ten metre line, whilst hawk eyed referee Nigel Owens could be heared to warn the French side about going off their feet in the ruck.
In the next tackle however, Racing were penalised for exactly such an offence having not heeded Owens’ clearly audible warnings.
Up stepped the Argentinian outside-centre for Saracens, well known for his monster boot, Marcelo Bosch.
Despite rather “un-rugby-like” noises from the crowd attempting to distract Bosch, his aim was true and the subsequent whistle brought joy for Saracens and heartbreak for Racing Metro, as their European challenge ended in the cruelest of circumstances.
Saracens will face Clermont Auvergne in the next round, the semi finals, on April 18th.
Saracens have shared a great video showing the reaction from the bench as Bosch kicked the winner. You can view that on page two here, and check out the Related Posts for more monster penalty kicks.
credit: Boucherie Ovalie
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