Owen who? Billy Vunipola produces the ‘kick of the season’ in Premiership clash
Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola against Northampton Saints.
Owen Farrell may well be Saracens’ linchpin and kicking maestro but number eight Billy Vunipola showed he’s also got some deft touches on Friday night.
Both players started for the Londoners in their massive encounter against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, which the home side went on to win 41-30.
Sarries initially struggled as Saints were rampant early on, going 17-0 up through Alex Coles and James Ramm tries, and seven points from the boot of Fin Smith.
Unusual option
Saracens were strangely off their game with them very indecisive in the opening quarter. As a result, veteran England back-rower Vunipola felt the need to take control and, instead of carrying into contact, he took the rare step to kick the ball.
It initially looked unwise, while his technique was unconventional, but the kick found grass and a fortuitous bounce saw it trickle into touch just five metres out.
Billy Vunipola can do it all!
Time to get him on kicking duties @Saracens 🤩#GallagherPrem #NORvSAR pic.twitter.com/q46ZPh3Sqf
— PREM Rugby (@premrugby) March 29, 2024
In his defence, when Vunipola received the ball from Ivan van Zyl he was outnumbered by Saints defenders, with many of Saracens’ players stacking the short side.
His teammates on the bench appreciated the touch-finder and were seen clapping Vunipola’s early-game effort, which pinned Northampton near their own try-line.
But Phil Dowson’s charges would be prevail on the night thanks to further tries from Ramm, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme, with Smith adding to his tally.
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Saracens’ try scorers were Theo McFarland and Ben Earl before a late Alex Lewington brace helped them pick up a try bonus-point on an off night for the team.
After a heavy Premiership loss away to Bristol Bears last Friday, Saints boss Dowson was delighted to see his team respond so emphatically against the holders.
“That speaks volumes about the character of the group,” he said.
Good response
“We were all disappointed last week and the response was clear to see. We want to speak with our actions and not necessarily with our words.
“We all knew what the issue was (against Bristol), we spoke really openly and the group is really connected. It wasn’t a tough week, it was a great week to get stuck into.
“Everyone kind of knows what the deal is and we wanted to put things right. It’s the great thing about sport, that you get another week to show what you’re capable of.”