Saracens dominate Sale with Daly's double at StoneX Stadium

Saracens faced Sale Sharks at the StoneX Stadium, securing a 45-26 victory despite the absence of their key player, Owen Farrell. The match saw Sale's George Ford leave early due to a quad injury, which significantly impacted their performance. Saracens struggled initially, trailing 13-12 at halftime, but a strong second-half display, including 33 points, turned the tide in their favor. Alex Lozowski and Elliot Daly were instrumental, with Lozowski contributing 22 points from the boot and Daly scoring two tries. Mark McCall, Saracens' director of rugby, noted that the team lacked the physicality they aimed for in the first half but improved significantly after the break. The early loss of Ford for Sale was a critical blow, as he was their standout player. Saracens capitalized on Sale's mistakes, particularly after Sam Dugdale received a red card, allowing them to score a bonus-point try in the final moments of the match. Maro Itoje's early exit due to a knee issue raised concerns, but McCall reassured that he would likely recover in time for the next game. The match highlighted the resilience of Saracens as they adapted to the absence of their captain and showcased the potential of younger players like Fergus Burke. This victory marked Saracens' second consecutive win, easing the transition after Farrell's departure and demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The Sharks, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming matches.