Aviva Premiership: Wasps 16-26 Saracens
By Keith Moore
Last Updated: 27/12/15 7:37pm
Saracens moved back into first place in the Aviva Premiership with a 26-16 win over Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.
Owen Farrell contributed 21 points through a try, four penalties and two conversions, with centre Duncan Taylor scoring the other five of Saracens' points.
It was a game in which Saracens were mostly on top, but the Wasps defence ensured things were locked at 9-9 at 57 minutes before the visitors scored back-to-back tries at the close of the third quarter to take things out of reach of Dai Young's men.
The win reinstates Saracens at the top of the league after Exeter briefly usurped them with a win over Sale on Saturday.
Saracens were gifted the perfect start when Jimmy Gopperth had his kick charged down in Wasps' first possession, and after the ball was played by a team-mate from an offside position in front of the poles, Farrell called for the kicking tee to put Saracens 3-0 up after barely two minutes of play.
Wasps were penalised at a scrum shortly thereafter and Farrell increased the lead with his boot, but Gopperth brought Wasps back within three when Saracens were pinged at the breakdown.
Saracens threatened on numerous occasions, but were unable to turn territory and possession into points. Elliot Daly then attempted one of his trademark long-range efforts close to the break, but sent the effort marginally left to leave Saracens with a 6-3 lead going into half-time.
Daly made amends at the beginning of the second half when Saracens transgressed near the half-way line, but Farrell reinstated the Saracens lead with another kick moments later.
Gopperth was able to draw things level before Duncan Taylor scored the first try of the game. Farrell passed to Brad Barritt in the midfield and the centre held the defensive line before popping to Taylor running a direct line. Taylor stepped the last defender to race in for the score which Farrell converted.
Saracens benefited from some good fortune a minute later, with a kick ahead bouncing off a defender looping to Taylor. Taylor used quick hands to pop to Farrell in support and Farrell crossed for his side's second try in quick succession.
Farrell slotted a further penalty before Wasps hit back with a late try through Halai after good hands from James Haskell and Daly.
However, Wasps were unable to score another as Saracens closed out the victory to remain unbeaten at the top of the Premiership standings.
