Saracens vs Sale Sharks LIVE: Result and reaction from Premiership Rugby final after protesters disrupt game
Saracens 35-25 Sale Sharks: Saracens win their sixth Premiership Rugby title as Sale fail to end a 17-year wait for the trophy
Saracens defied a spirited Sale Sharks, a mini injury crisis and climate activists to clinch the Gallagher Premiership title for a sixth time at Twickenham.
A 35-25 victory over the Sharks made amends for last season’s last-gasp defeat by Leicester at the same stage and delivers their first silverware since being relegated for salary cap breaches in 2020.
Two Just Stop Oil protestors brought a halt to the game in the first half when they ran on to the pitch, letting off orange smoke bombs before being led away by stewards amid jeers from the crowd. Both were arrested and while orange patches were still evident on the pitch at the final whistle, the interruption failed to take the shine off an enthralling climax to the season.
Saracens threatened to pull clear before and after half-time but Sale stayed in the fight and then pounced in a dominant third quarter that saw tries by Tom Roebuck and Bevan Rodd seize the lead. But drawing on all the experience accumulated during 13 years of Premiership and European finals, Saracens showed their resolve to hit back through Elliot Daly and Ivan van Zyl.
Relive the action from the Premiership Rugby final as Saracens beat Sale:
Saracens 6-3 Sale, 16 mins
Good work from Van der Merwe on the floor to retain the ball for Sale. But at the next breakdown, it’s pilfered by Saracens - Eroni Mawi involved.
Referee Luke Pearce gets in the way as Itoje tries to spread the ball to the backs. Unfortunate, as Sarries looked to have a good attacking platform. Scrum for Mark McCall’s men now
PENALTY! SARACENS 6-3 Sale (Farrell penalty, 14 mins)
No mistake from Owen Farrell. Simple kick to restore the lead
Saracens 3-3 Sale, 14 mins
Nicely done by Dan, lineout safely secured. Itoje then drags defenders with him in the 22 and wins Saracens the penalty, as Sale kill the ball. They’ll go for the posts
Saracens 3-3 Sale, 13 mins
Big carry from Tuilagi in midfield for Sale. He’s got plenty to prove today. But a subsequent carry sees the ball ripped away by Owen Farrell! Brilliant technique from the England fly-half.
Then a gorgeous kick from Alex Goode! He hammers a 50:22 with a pinpoint nudge. What an attacking platform for Saracens. A test for replacement hooker Theo Dan.
Saracens 3-3 Sale, 11 mins
You fear that could be that for George today. Would be a real shame. Dan’s first job after coming on is a scrum and Sarries are immediately penalised. Roars of approval from the Sale pack
Saracens 3-3 Sale, 10 mins
Penalty won at scrum-time this time around. That’s a win for the Saracens front row as Sale hit through the mark. Simon McIntyre too aggressive and can’t hold his weight.
Lineout in the 22 for Sarries but Jamie George knocks on in contact, big hit from Curry, and it’s stolen by Sale! They break out with some quick hands. George is down now, he looks woozy. The England hooker heads off for an HIA with Theo Dan coming on.
Saracens 3-3 Sale, 8 mins
Great running lines by Sarries to keep Sale defenders occupied. A box kick then forces a knock-on near halfway and it’s our first scrum of the day.
Sarries win the free-kick and immediately call for another scrum. Which pack will get on top? Sale have to bully Sarries up front to find joy today you feel.
PENALTY! Saracens 3-3 SALE (Ford penalty, 6 mins)
George Ford makes no mistake and that’s good efficiency from Sale. Back level
Saracens 3-0 Sale, 5 mins
Sale claim the kick-off and get their first spell of possession. A couple of phases but Sarries caught on the wrong side after a Du Preez carry just outside their 22 and Sharks have a penalty. They can level this up
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments