Saracens delivered a commanding performance to kick off their European Champions Cup campaign, overwhelming a weakened Clermont Auvergne side 47-10 at a rain-soaked StoneX Stadium in north London.
Depleted Clermont No Match for Sarries Power
The result was rarely in doubt against a callow and injury-hit Clermont squad, which struggled to contain a Saracens team brimming with international quality. Despite missing England stars Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, and Jamie George, the home side ran in seven tries to secure a bonus-point victory with ease.
Clermont showed initial defensive spirit, limiting Saracens to a single try for the first half-hour. However, the dam broke in a devastating ten-minute spell before half-time. Saracens capitalised ruthlessly on growing gaps, crossing the line three more times to lead 26-0 at the interval and effectively end the contest.
Noah Caluori Stars in Seven-Try Rout
The standout performer was 19-year-old wing Noah Caluori, who showcased remarkable pace and assurance. His highlight was a spectacular second-half solo effort, where he received the ball on halfway and embarked on a phenomenal arcing run, leaving the Clermont defence grasping at thin air to score Saracens' fifth try.
The try-scorers for Saracens were Lucio Cinti (2), Max Malins, James Hadfield, Caluori, Hugh Tizard, and Theo Dan. Fly-half Owen Farrell kicked four conversions, with Charlie Burke adding two more after coming off the bench.
For Clermont, a side that spent a mere 3% of the match in the Saracens 22, the consolation tries came from Axel Guillaud and fly-half Harry Plummer. The visitors also had openside flanker Anthime Hemery sin-binned in the first half for a breakdown offence.
Looking Ahead to a Sterner Test
While this was a comfortable start for Mark McCall's men, the coach will know the challenge escalates dramatically next week. Saracens now travel to South Africa to face the Sharks in Durban, a fixture that promises to be far more demanding in every aspect.
The comprehensive victory, built on a powerful set-piece and clinical finishing, provides the perfect platform for their European journey, but the true tests lie ahead in a fiercely competitive Champions Cup pool.
