Sharks lose but impress as Hodgson is lauded at Saracens

The France international scored his side’s opener on 51 minutes before two clever kicks set up another two tries to send the French side on their way to a 33-18 win.

Until then the Sharks had remained in the contest with Mark Cueto scoring the only try of the first half as they went into the break 12-8 behind.

Redpath was nonetheless pleased with his side’s performance against one of the Top 14’s pacesetters.

“We played a decent game and the young boys that came here have done exceptionally well in a tough environment,” said Redpath, who was joined by new coaching consultant John Mitchell in the stands at a rain-soaked Stade Yves du Manoir.

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill hailed a virtuoso match-winning display by Toby Flood after the England star revived Tigers’ Heineken Cup campaign,

Flood scored 24 points, including an interception try, as Leicester staged a storming finish to beat Welford Road visitors the Ospreys 39-22.

After last weekend’s defeat in Toulouse, it was just what the Tigers needed to keep themselves in Pool Two contention.

Fly-half Flood complemented his try with five penalties – including one from well inside his own half – and two conversions, while centre Manu Tuilagi (2) and scrum-half Ben Youngs added further touchdowns.

“I think Toby gets a lot of unfair criticism,” said Cockerill.

“He’s played 50-odd Tests for England. He is a really good player.”

England full-back Alex Goode described Charlie Hodgson as the best fly-half in the Premiership after watching him orchestrate Saracens’ 30-13 Heineken Cup victory over Racing Metro.

Hodgson gave a masterclass in every department at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels as he continues to produce some of the finest rugby of his career.

England coach Stuart Lancaster must choose between Toby Flood or Owen Farrell for the autumn knowing that the nation’s strongest fly-half on current form entered international retirement last summer.

Goode believes England’s loss is Saracens’ gain as he marvels at a 31-year-old.

“Charlie’s a fantastic player who has been the best 10 in the Premiership for the last 10 to 15 years,” he said.