The only slight blip on a fine afternoon in the pouring rain for McCall’s men was another injury to Billy Vunipola who was removed from the battle at half-time after taking a blow to the face in s collision. The No 8 is desperate to get as much game time under his belt leading up to the Six Nations, having had his starts reduced by knee problems this season.

Saints had dominated the opening half in terms of territory and possession but failed to take full advantage of their field position and pressure. And Chris Boyd’s side ultimately paid the price for being unable to cross the Sarries line as the visitors defended stoutly, illegally, at times, according the Saints director of rugby Boyd, who felt referee Adam Leal allowed the London side off the hook with his decisions at scrums and mauls.

Dan Biggar’s two penalties were cancelled out by a brace from Lozowski but the game opened up after the break when Saracens grabbed it by the throat and showed just why many feel they could regain their English club crown on their first season back in the Premiership.

Alex Goode’s burst of pace and fine offload sent the supporting Lozowski over for the first try shortly into the second half. George was removed from the action after 63 minutes of hard graft and proving his fitness. Saints were reduced to 14 men with replacement prop Connor Carey sin-binned for collapsing a Sarries maul yards from his line. Moments later, Tom Woolstencroft claimed a push-over try and Maro Itoje followed him to complete a very satisfying opening 2022 fixture for the London side.

Boyd was unhappy with the officiating when Saints were camped on the Sarries line for long spells and he complained: “He didn’t have enough nuts…did he?! It was a clear hinge at the scrum. There was only one side under pressure in that series of scrums.

“We got sucked into a kicking game in the rain and we lost it. They also defended very well.”

Match details

Northampton: Furbank, Sleightholme, Hutchinson, Francis, Skosan, Biggar, Mitchell, Waller, Matavesi, Hill, Coles, Ratuniyarawa, Lawes, Ludlam, Augustus. 
Replacements: Fish, Iyogun, Carey, Ribbans, Wood, James, Dingwall, Tuala.
Sin-bin: Connor Carey (71)

Saracens: Malins, Maitland, Lozowski, Tompkins, Daly, Goode, van Zyl, Mako Vunipola, George, Beaton, Itoje, Isiekwe, McFarland, Earl, B Vunipola. 
Replacements: Woolstencroft, Mawi, Milasinovich, Hunter-Hill, Wray, de Haas, Manu Vunipola, Segun. 

Referee: Adam Leal.