SARACENS were given an example of the strength in-depth required to reach the Zurich Premiership summit when they were beaten 36-10 at the hands of defending champions Leicester.

With both sides weakened by international call-ups and, Saracens in particular, ravaged by injuries, the match was going to be decided by the quality of replacements.

The unmistakable Saracens team coach, which made the short journey up the M1 was minus a host of talent which was hit further by the late withdrawal of Scotland and Lions lock Scott Murray with a hamstring injury.

One man who did manage to make a timely exit from the treatment room was Jannie de Beer who made his first start of the season after an injury he picked up in a pre-season friendly.

After conceding a penalty to the deadly Tim Stimpson in the opening minute, Saracens enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half but conceded a soft try to Australian centre Rod Kafer, who followed up his own chip to score under the posts.

De Beer replied with his first try for the club after a fine interchange between Adyran Winnan and Tim Horan on the left-hand touchline, but the boot of Stimpson kicked Leicester to a 21-10 lead at half time.

The second half was virtually one-way traffic as a marauding Tigers scored 16 unanswered points which included a brace of tries from the electric Steve Booth and one from Derek Jelley.

"I believe the scoreline doesn't reflect what happened out there," said a reflective Francois Pienaar post match. "We didn't take our opportunities, and we can't challenge opposing teams if we don't get the basics right."

October 23, 2001 8:54

Kevin Affleck