Bristol Bears 26-41 Saracens result – Maro Itoje inspires Sarries to six-try away win to boost Gallagher PREM play-off hopes

Saracens kept their play-off hopes alive with a six-try victory away to Bristol Bears.

Sarries came into the tie knowing that a defeat at Ashton Gate would all but end their hopes of a top-four finish this season.

They came up against an injury-hit Bears side who had yet to be beaten at home this season. And the hosts showed why when Ellis Genge contributed to Fitz Harding muscling over for a second-minute try.

However, Saracens then exploited holes in the home defence as Tom Willis and Hugh Tizard scored tries within two minutes of each other.

The Bears remained a threat at set pieces and Harry Thacker pulled them back within a point.

Bristol were again guilty of missing key tackles as Rotimi Segun and Ben Earl sealed Saracens a bonus point with just 29 minutes played.

Matias Moroni pulled a try back for the hosts before Fergus Burke replied, as eight tries were scored in the first half and Saracens held a 13-point lead.

Saracens changed tactics in the second half and stood firm against a resurgent home side.

However, with eight minutes remaining Kalaveti Ravouvou reduced the visitors' lead to eight points and the influential Maro Itoje was sent to the sin-bin.

Ravouvou saw another try moments later disallowed because of a knock-on as the Bears believed in a dramatic fightback.

It was not to be and Tobias Elliott intercepted a pass inside the Bears 22 to score a sixth try in the final minutes.

Jamie George paid tribute to team-mate Fergus Burke’s ‘running game’ following their win at Bristol.

He said: ”We’ve got a really good feeling around our attack and a lot of it revolves around him.

"We're really enjoying our rugby and getting better. We're building a bit of momentum now."

Saracens star Tom Willis says his side are growing in confidence as they took maximum points from another ‘must win’ game.

The number eight has decided to switch his rugby career to join Bordeaux next season.

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A game of two halves for Saracens who were clinical in attack in the first half and defensively good in the second. Saracens have kept their play-off hopes alive with an impressive win.

Ashton Gate is silenced! Bristol turn the ball over and look to break quickly inside their own 22. Randall sends a cross-field pass which is intercepted under the posts by Elliott to seal the win. Farrell kicks the extras.

Another twist in this dramatic clash. A high ball is weighted perfectly for Caluori who rises high and is fouled by Ravouvou

Bristol are ready for a grandstand finish against the 14 men. The ball is played through the hands before Randall plays cross-field pass into the hands of Ravouvou. He jinks the final man and scores.

However, TMO has called it back as Randall had knocked the ball on when the ball came out the scrum.

The England star was warned and then infringed in the build-up to Bristol’s try. Saracens will finish the game with 14 men.

The Bristol pressure eventually tells and Janse van Rensburg sends a lovely kick out wide straight into the hands of Ravouvou to score.

Williams misses the conversion

McFarland has spent his time in the bin and Michelow is also brought on.

Batley charges into a pile of players on the floor and his head connects with the chin of Itoje. TMO was worried, but the referee judged that it was ‘accidental’. It looked a nasty challenge and our TNT Sports pundits believe it should have been a red.

Bristol - Williams comes on for Jordan

Sarries - Van Zyl comes on for Bracken

Randall is providing an outlet for the home side to attack. However, he has been met on several occasions by the man mountain Itoje who has man-handled the smaller player at times.

Saracens survive the pressure from their hosts as Willis and Earl counter-ruck and turns the ball over metres out.

Itoje then intercepts a line-out moments later and Elliott collects.

The Saracens replacement dragged down the rolling maul which was heading towards the try-line.

Saracens have defended tightly in this second half and allowed the Bears to come at them. Bristol are awarded another penalty and again kick for the line-out.

Thacker, Genge and Kloska are replaced by Gwilliam, Woolmore and ⁠⁠Lahiff

George is replaced by Dan; Segun and Burke are replaced by Elliott and Farrell; Carre on for Mawi.

Bristol are desperate for a way back into this game and Randall has been introduced