Nizaam Carr got on the scoresheet as Wasps handed Saracens a 60-10 thrashing in the 11th round of the English Premiership on Friday.
– In a clash between two of the season’s bottom dwellers, relegated Saracens took on Wasps looking for back-to-back wins. However, it was Wasps who put a difficult week – during which director of rugby Dai Young resigned – behind them as they handed interim coach Lee Blackett his first win in charge. Playing at No 8, Carr finished off a flowing move for one of Wasps’ eight tries. In total, the loose forward made 43 metres from 12 carries, making two clean breaks, 12 passes and eight tackles. Vincent Koch and Brad Barritt both started for Saracens.
– The Sale Sharks climbed into second place on the table after beating the Leicester Tigers 36-3 in Manchester. Bok prop Coenie Oosthuizen, starting at loosehead, scored a try, while flyhalf Robert du Preez added four conversions and a penalty. Once again, twin brothers Jean-Luc – playing at lock – and No 8 Daniel du Preez shone for the Sharks. Daniel made 14 carries for 26m, beating three defenders while making nine tackles and winning seven lineouts. Jono Ross captained the Sharks and played 66 minutes. Jaco Taute started at outside centre for the Tigers but had to be replaced after 13 minutes due to injury. Leicester also had Hanro Liebenberg at blindside flank and he made 11 tackles.
– Bath claimed their third straight win to briefly climb into the top four after narrowly beating Harlequins 19-12 at the Rec. Francois Louw continued his excellent form on the openside for Bath, with 13 carries, eight tackles and one turnover before being replaced with three minutes left. After the weekend’s action, Bath are fifth and one point outside the playoff places.
– Gloucester’s bid to make it into the playoffs took a blow as they slumped to a 24-20 loss to London Irish. Franco van der Merwe started in the second row for London Irish and poached two lineouts, while also winning a turnover. His opposite number, Franco Mostert, made 19 tackles, the most of any player in the match. Gloucester also had Ruan Ackermann at No 8 and he made 15 carries for 22m.
– The Bristol Bears went third after fighting to a 13-10 victory over the Worcester Warriors. Cornell du Preez started at No 8 for the Warriors and was yellow-carded but atoned for that by making a massive 26 tackles. Scrumhalf Francois Hougaard and tighthead prop Nic Schonert were also in action for the Warriors, who brought Richard Palframan off the bench in the second half. Scott van Breda was substituted on in the first half and kicked a penalty for the Warriors.
– Forwards Jannes Kirsten and Jacques Vermeulen both played starring roles as the Exeter Chiefs extended their lead at the top of the table by thrashing the Northampton Saints 57-7. Kirsten dotted down after the half-time hooter for one of Exeter’s eight tries. Playing at openside flank, Vermeulen made six carries for 22m. Cobus Reinach was on the bench for this game and came on for the Saints in the 54th minute. Northampton also had loosehead prop Frans van Wyk in their starting lineup.
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