In a thrilling encounter, Saracens secured their sixth Premiership title, ending a four-year wait, with a hard-fought 35-25 triumph over Sale.
The game took an exhilarating turn in the final quarter when Elliot Daly and Ivan Van Zyl scored two tries within a span of just four minutes, ultimately sealing the victory for Sarries.
This triumph held a special significance for Saracens, as they had experienced the bitter disappointment of missing out on the title in the previous year.
The memory of Freddie Burns' last-minute drop-goal for Leicester, which dashed their hopes, still lingered. However, this time, they left no room for despair and emerged victorious.
While celebrating their achievement, it's worth acknowledging that not every player was able to shine in the showcase match.
Below, we reflect on three individuals who, unfortunately, failed to deliver their best performances on the day.
#1. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks)
Planet Rugby - 5/10
RUCK - 4/10
Rugby Pass - 5/10
His charge-down in the lead-up to Elliot Daly's try proved to be a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum decisively in Saracens' favour.
Despite this setback, Carpenter did showcase some positive contributions in attack, making considerable progress and narrowly missing out on denying Ivan van Zyl a score.
It was undoubtedly a valuable learning experience for the young player, who exhibited flashes of brilliance before the unfortunate error occurred.
A bloody Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
Planet Rugby - 6/10
RUCK - 7/10
Rugby Pass - 4/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "Possessed plenty of power in beating four defenders in the first half alone, but a lack of sharpness cost his team.
"Was easily sucked in by Owen Farrell who dangled some obvious bait that the burly centre couldn’t refuse, creating space for Malins to cruise through for his try. And when a possible intercept was on, Tuilagi couldn’t react quick enough.
"Pound for pound one of the great players in the world on his day, but too often he seemed to be playing own game. Steve Borthwick’s opinion on him wouldn’t have changed after that show. Hooked for Same James with 10 minutes to play."
Manu Tuilagi of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Alex Goode (Saracens)
Rugby Pass - 5.5./10
RUCK - 6/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "The veteran was polished in the opening period but looked like an old man wilting in the heat for quite some time in the second half."
Bevan Rodd of Sale Sharks steps past Alex Goode of Saracens as he goes over for a try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 27 May 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Ewan Ashman (Sale Sharks)
RUCK - 3/10
Rugby Pass - 2/10
Rugby Pass wrote: "Fluffed his first throw to the line that almost cost his team a try and then missed his target again on his second attempt.
" Later he missed his jumper for a third time when Sale had done well to win a line-out with 15 minutes left. That play ended with Daly scoring a crucial try that ultimately proved to be the decisive blow."
Jono Ross, Captain of Sale Sharks, Joe Carpenter of Sale Sharks and Ewan Ashman of Sale Sharks walk out during the Captains run ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Saracens and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stadium on 26 May 2023. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading