The Men In Black dominate with an eight-try blitz, leapfrogging Quins into second place as the Premiership race intensifies

Saracens put on a clinical display to crush Harlequins 52-7 in a one-sided Gallagher Premiership derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sending a strong message to their rivals ahead of the play-offs. The Men In Black delivered a near-perfect performance, securing an eight-try victory that included four tries within the first 27 minutes.

Saracens were relentless, as they stormed to an unassailable lead, with Theo Dan and Sean Maitland each scoring twice. Alex Lewington, Lucio Cinti, Juan Martin Gonzalez, and Alex Goode also crossed for tries, making it an emphatic statement from the Sarries. The Harlequins managed just one try from Alex Dombrandt, but that hardly served as consolation on a disappointing day for the west Londoners, who also lost Nick David to a shoulder injury.

Maitland’s second try, which saw him fend off multiple defenders in a dazzling run, left Saracens’ replacement Jamie George covering his mouth in disbelief. Saracens’ fast-paced, attacking play overwhelmed Harlequins, who appeared dazed and struggled to recover after Saracens’ explosive start. The Quins sideline, led by Joe Marler and Jack Walker, was a picture of frustration as the game slipped away from them.

Having been off for seven weeks, Saracens returned to action as if they had never been away, while Harlequins seemed to lack the spark they had displayed before the break. Saracens’ boss Mark McCall had previously stated that teams that gained momentum post-Six Nations would be in control of the title chase, and Saracens proved him right with a dominant performance.

Owen Farrell, marking his 250th appearance for Saracens, orchestrated the game with a commanding performance that included 12 points from the boot. Farrell is determined to secure a seventh league title before his move to Racing 92 this summer, and this display suggests his farewell could come with another Premiership crown.

With the table constantly shifting in the final stretch of the season, Saracens moved up to second place, just one point behind leaders. Meanwhile, Harlequins slipped to fifth, and now face a crucial home game against Bath next weekend if they are to keep their play-off hopes alive.

In front of 61,214 fans, Saracens were in total control from the first whistle. They capitalized on penalties in the Harlequins’ 22, with Lewies sent to the bin and Dan powering over for the opening try. Maitland’s two quick tries, one of which was a stunning individual effort, had the crowd in raptures, and by the break, Saracens were out of sight.

After the interval, Saracens added more tries, including from Dan, Cinti, and Gonzalez, with the visitors unable to respond. Goode completed the scoring with a neat try as Saracens saw out the game, despite a late yellow card for Lewington.

For Saracens, it was another reminder of their ruthless form, and as the play-offs approach, they are looking like the team to beat. For Harlequins, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back next week.