Brits inspires Sarries win
Schalk Brits helped Saracens to a five-try victory in their Guinness Premiership London derby against Harlequins at Wembley Stadium.
By Rachel Griffiths
Last Updated: 17/04/10 8:02pm
Dynamic hooker Schalk Brits helped Saracens to a decisive 37-18 five-try victory in their Guinness Premiership London derby against Harlequins at Wembley Stadium.
Rampant South African Brits played a crucial part in setting up both of openside Andy Saull's first-half tries and then added the third for his team in the 50th minute.
Winger Michael Tagicakibau and number eight Ernst Joubert completed the bonus point win to cement the title-chasers' spot in the top four.
Dismal
Dismal defending from the struggling Quins made it all too easy for Saracens to breach their try line, and a flurry of form late in the second half could not rescue the outcome.
Saracens had raced 15-3 ahead by the end of the first quarter largely thanks to two tries in two minutes from a rampaging Saull.
Man-of-the-match Brits played a decisive role in both, producing a neat offload to Joubert to set up the first and feeding Justin Marshall for the second.
Derick Hougaard successfully converted one of the scores to add to an earlier penalty and leave shambolic Quins in a worrying position.
But they gave a battling reply as Chris Brooker sailed over a breakdown and crossed the whitewash from close range.
Saracens regained their 15-point lead with a second penalty from Hougaard and they took that advantage into half-time.
Brits' added to his superb display when he powered over for Saracens' third try after Alex Goode and Marshall had created openings.
But it was Quins' defence at fault once again as they left the blindside uncovered to allow Brits to complete his straightforward sprint to the line.
Substitute Glen Jackson added the extras and Quins' woes continued when full-back Mike Brown was sin-binned for a series of professional fouls.
Pressure
Jacques Burger was then denied a 'try' by the TMO as Saracens turned up the heat but they had more luck minutes later when Tagicakibau strolled through the opposition backline.
Saracens hammered in the final nail when Joubert seized a loose pass from Turner-Hall for the fifth try, which Jackson converted as Quins' defence let them down again.
Ugo Monye managed to cross with three minutes left and Chris York touched down in the dying seconds as Harlequins attempted a late comeback, but it was in vain as Saracens closed out their commanding victory.
