Hodgson inspires Sarries as O’Connor excels despite defeat

Former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson marked his first appearance of the season with an 18-point haul in a victory that saw Saracens move two points clear of nearest rivals Northampton at the top of the table.

Veteran Yorkshireman Hodgson was back in action after an Achilles injury and scored the opening try, two conversions and three penalties as Sarries bounced back from the 17-16 Heineken Cup defeat to Toulouse and last weekend’s 41-20 Premiership hammering at Northampton.

Left-wing David Strettle, hooker Jamie George and full-back Alex Goode scored second-half tries to secure a bonus-point win for the leaders before Goode converted Strettle’s second try three minutes from time.

“It was the complete performance today,” said director of rugby McCall.

“We had to build some foundations in the first 20 minutes into a very strong wind but overall we are very pleased.

“A lot of things which weren’t very good last week were very good today. Our set piece was outstanding, our scrum was good and to keep them try-less was important as our defence last weekend wasn’t great.”

Of Hodgson, McCall said: “He looked like he’d never been away.

“He hadn’t played for two and a half months and to play that well was fantastic and showed what a class player he is.”

Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards said their were “a huge amount of positives” but admitted: “The second half will take a little bit of looking at.”

James O’Connor admitted he was taken aback by the pace of the Premiership after making a losing debut for London Irish against title-chasing Northampton on Sunday.

The controversial Australian star, who left his homeland in a bid to resurrect his career following a series of off-field problems, produced a scintillating display at the Madejski Stadium, but it was not enough to prevent Saints securing a fifth win in seven league games with a 19-14 verdict.

But all eyes were on O’Connor, whose display – just a few days after stepping off a plane to sign with Irish until the end of the season – was praised by director of rugby Brian Smith.

The 23-year-old was delighted to be out on the pitch, but acknowledged the tempo of the match had proved challenging.

“The speed of the game was very surprising,” he said. “I thought Super Rugby was fast but I was really blowing out there, that’s for sure. The club and all the boys have been awesome since I arrived and I am really looking forward to my time here.

“I didn’t feel 100 per cent and can get better. I wanted to perform. It was just a shame we could not get the win.”