Saracens beat Leicester to boost playoff bid

Saracens were rewarded for putting their English Premiership playoff bid ahead of the club's European ambitions as they beat Leicester 29-22 at Welford Road on Sunday.
England stars Maro Itoje and Tom Willis featured in league action for Saracens for a second successive weekend after the Six Nations, meaning they must be left out for Saturday's European Champions Cup visit to Toulon.
But Saracens' gamble paid off with a bonus-point victory that was founded on their quick start and a strong second half.
𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒! 🤩#YourSaracens💫#LEIvSAR pic.twitter.com/mslP09W1rT
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 30, 2025
Ben Earl, Theo Dan, Nick Isiekwe and Alex Goode all came off the bench to deliver influential contributions.
It was Dan's opportunistic 63rd-minute try, made possible by a Leicester line-out error, that proved the difference as sixth-placed Saracens moved within two points of the top four.
Saracens have only missed out on a top-four finish in the Premiership twice since the 2008-09 season.
And they bounced back from the 23-12 loss to Harlequins last week with a far more spirited performance.
Third-placed Leicester were fresh from their 33-0 romp at Northampton, but could not repeat those fireworks in another twist in a tense play-off race.
Anddddddd.... breathe. #YourSaracens💫#LEIvSAR pic.twitter.com/DS9vCXEe6H
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) March 30, 2025
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