Bristol Bears suffered a gut-wrenching last-second defeat at the StoneX on Saturday as imperious Saracens were victorious 20-19 thanks to a Francois Hougaard score at the wire.
Pat Lam’s men outplayed the league leaders with vastly more attacking opportunities and set-piece dominance, but ultimately the hosts did what they do best: win.
Bears scores came through Harry Thacker and Gabriel Ibitoye, as well as the boots of AJ MacGinty and first-time Premiership starter James Williams slotting a couple of long-distance kicks.
The visitors led the game by nine points with five minutes to go, with only Theo Dan’s try and a couple of Alex Goode kicks keeping Mark McCall’s men within touching distance.
However, a try from Rotimi Segun brought the game to within a score, allowing Saracens to unload pressure and gain the lead for the first time in the game in the final play, as debutant Francois Hougaard crossed the whitewash.
Rugby reporter Nathan Russell gives his verdict on Bristol Bears’ individual performers from a heart-breaking day for Pat Lam’s men at the StoneX.
READ MORE: Saracens 20-19 Bristol Bears: Reaction and full highlights from the StoneX Stadium
15. Rich Lane – 6
Unfortunately did not have the rub of the green near the opposition try-line.
Caught making a double movement just prior to heading over the whitewash, before unfortunately making a tough handling error in the build up to Semi Radradra’s score which got scrubbed off.
Still offers something with the ball in hand, and a truly valuable member of the squad.
14. Siva Naulago – 7
Good day at the office.
Made the most of his carries, taking chunks out with each given opportunity and beating a team-leading six defenders overall.
Perhaps should have done better with his attempted tackle on Segun which the smaller winger managed to ride before touching down.
13. Semi Radradra – 8
Another trademark Semi performance.
Simply unstoppable with the ball in hand. Whenever he was in possession, you felt like he was beating at least one defender.
Led his team with the ball in hand, with 16 carries and his offload to Ibitoye created the space for the winger to score.
Had a score chalked off after smartly catching the Saracens guards napping around the ruck and beating the final defenders, unluckily Rich Lane struggled to handle the ball earlier in the play.
Four missed tackles does not look great in his stat column.
12. James Williams – 8
A wonderful long-awaited first Premiership start for the centre, who stepped up to the tee with aplomb after AJ MacGinty’s struggles with the wind. Nailed a couple of long distance kicks that kept the scoreline ticking over.
A rock in defence, leading his team with 17 tackles at first count from the midfield.
11. Gabriel Ibitoye – 8
Just an absolute livewire, his battle with fellow speedster Rotimi Segun in the wide channel was just sensational.
Some exciting breaks and good support lines were certainly noticeable, but his highlight was his score, positioning himself well on his wing to time his run on Radradra’s offload and overwhelm the Saracens defence out wide.
Team-leading 85 metres to his name in attack.
10. AJ MacGinty – 6
Didn’t appear to have his kicking boots on at the StoneX Stadium,, with one of his kicks struggling to even leave the ground.
Solid distribution to his midfield, who were allowed to flourish with good service inside them.
9. Harry Randall – 6
Very busy in the first half making repeated attempts to catch the Sarries defence napping at the fringes.
Some nice kicks and jinxing footwork in his minutes.
1. Yann Thomas – 6
Wheeled the Saracens pack twice as Bristol asserted set piece dominance.
2. Harry Thacker – 9
An outstanding 40 minutes to his name today.
Despite numerous checks from the medics, the hooker showcased his electric carrying style as he forced gaps and got Saracens' pulses racing.
Even got a five-pointer off a driving maul.
Busy in the carry and tackle as he hunted collisions.
Played a wonderful first half, which gives me the impression he was replaced at half-time because of a niggle of some description.
3. Max Lahiff – 7
Worked hard at the gritty stuff today.
The less experienced Saracens front row was vulnerable and Lahiff along with propping partner Thomas exposed it with a couple of wheel penalties.
4. Joe Batley – 6
A typical hard-working showing from the former Worcester Warrior.
Made some crucial tackles, tallying 12 today.
Showcased some silky handling, demonstrating he could fit right in with the backline.
5. Chris Vui – 7
Imperious at the breakdown, winning a couple of penalties for his side.
Some good work at the set-piece, with a steal to his name today.
6. Steve Luatua © - 6
The skipper concerningly left the field early, flanked by a medic.
Harry Thacker and Bryan Byrne’s option of choice at the line-out, towering over competing Saracens.
7. Jake Heenan – 6
Some nice breakdown work highlighted his day, securing a pair of turnovers.
Great tackling technique as he chopped down some dangerous carriers.
8. Magnus Bradbury – 8
Showed great versatility as he flexed his muscles in multiple areas of his multi-faceted game.
A big nine carries made 26 metres with the ball in hand, and an impressive 11 tackles, with none missed, demonstrates his contribution to the defensive effort and defensive technical brilliance.
In case that wasn’t enough, impressive breakdown work forcing some holding on penalties.
Replacements
16. Bryan Byrne – 5
17. Jake Woolmore – 6
18. Jonathan Benz-Salomon – 6
19. Ed Holmes – 6
20. Fitz Harding – 6
21. Andy Uren – 5
Big fan of this man, but did not cover himself in glory in his 150 th club appearance when box kicking the ball away with just 71 seconds remaining on the clock and Saracens riding a wave of momentum.
Whether it was team orders or an individual call, that kick may have lost them the clash.
22. Callum Sheedy – 6
23. Jack Bates – N/A
