Saracens make it two from two

MATCH REPORT: Liam Williams marked his second Saracens debut with a try as the English side won away at ill-disciplined Stade Francais on Sunday.

Keen to erase any memory of last week’s heavy Munster loss, Stade Francais came out of the blocks firing.

Peniasi Dakuwaqa exploited a gap to find himself free down the left before touching down an impressive move.

This pushed the home side to lay down more authority as the half progressed, and a Zack Henry penalty soon gave them a double-figure advantage.

Though trailing, a ruled-out try for Saracens was a testament to their ever-threatening plays.

The momentum then fully shifted when Sekou Macalou left the referee with no choice but to send him off after a loose swinging arm on Ivan van Zyl for Stade Français’ third red in two games.

The London side, a man up, wasted no time in making their advantage count, with Liam Williams sealing the fairy-tale comeback he would have been hoping for.

Duly converting and then scoring two later penalties, it was Fergus Burke’s cool feet that dragged Saracens into the lead come half-time.

Saracens emerged from half-time firmly in control and eager to extend their lead. Their task became easier when a yellow card for a high tackle by Tanginoa Halaifonua reduced the Parisians to 13 men.

Taking full advantage, hooker Jamie George powered over the line, using the numerical superiority to put vital breathing space between the two sides.

Liam Williams is BACK baby! 🔥

First game back with @Saracens and he gets the try 👌

Follow all the #InvestecChampionsCup action as it happens ⬇️

— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 15, 2024

Despite the setback, Stade Français slowly clawed their way back into the contest. Just before the final 10 minutes, Leo Barre capitalised on a slick move near the try-line, scoring before slotting the conversion to bring the hosts within four points.

However, any hopes of a Parisian comeback were dashed when another yellow card once again left Stade Français down to 13 men.

Saracens capitalised immediately, driving a powerful maul over the line to seal a deserved victory.

Scorers:

For Stade Francaise:
Tries: Dakuwaqa, Barre
Cons: Henry, Barre
Pens: Henry

For Saracens:
Tries: Li Williams, George, Dan
Cons: Burke 2
Pens: Burke 3

Teams

Stade Francais: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Peniasi Dakuwaqa, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Charles Laloi, 10 Zack Henry, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Juan Martin Scelzo, 7 Ryan Chapuis, 6 Sekou Macalou, 5 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 4 Paul Gabrillagues (captain), 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Clement Castets.
Replacements: 16 Lucas Peyresblanques, 17 Moses Alo-Emile, 18 Hugo N’Diaye, 19 Setareki Turagacoke, 20 Andy Timo, 21 Yoan Tanga, 22 Louis Foursans-Bourdette, 23 Samuel Ezeala.

Saracens: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Lucio Cinti Luna, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rotimi Segun, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Ben Earl, 6 Theo McFarland, 5 Nick Isiekwe, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Jamie George, 1 Rhys Carre.
Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Phil Brantingham, 18 Alec Clarey, 19 Harry Wilson, 20 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 21 Gareth Simpson, 22 Tiff Eden, 23 Olly Hartley.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Finlay Brown (Scotland), Rob McDowell (Scotland)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

Source @ChampionsCup