Rokoduguni late show sees Bath stun Saracens
Bath maintained their 100 per cent start to the Premiership season as Semesa Rokoduguni's last-gasp brace dealt European champions Saracens a surprise 31-21 defeat, while holders Exeter Chiefs eased to victory against London Irish.
Francois Louw's try and nine points from the boot of Rhys Priestland gave Bath a 14-0 half-time lead at the Rec, but Saracens appeared on course for victory as they turned things around after the restart.
Penalties from Alex Lozowski and Owen Farrell got Saracens on the scoreboard before Priestland knocked over his second drop goal, only for the visitors to continue their upward momentum as they were awarded a penalty try.
Bath's Taulupe Faletau was sin-binned for his part in collapsing a driving maul to the line, though Saracens were restricted to just another Farrell penalty with the number eight off the field.
Ben Spencer gave Saracens the lead with a try seven minutes from time, with Bath's efforts seemingly all for nought as they were reduced to 14 men due to Anthony Watson's shoulder injury.
However, a superb late double from Rokoduguni sealed the points for Bath, the wing restoring their lead with a fine solo try before going the length of a field on an interception to secure success.
Exeter recovered from their opening loss to Gloucester as tries from Henry Slade and Olly Woodburn, a Don Armand double and a penalty try saw them claim a 37-7 bonus-point win.
Northampton Saints were crushed 55-24 by Saracens in their first game but responded by dealing Leicester Tigers a second successive loss, England captain Dylan Hartley on the scoresheet in a 24-11 victory.
Elsewhere Gloucester failed to build on their triumph over Exeter, going down to a 28-17 loss at Harlequins.
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Can we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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