Noah Caluori shows his speed to help Saracens thrash depleted Clermont

Saracens 47-10 Clermont Auvergne
Sarries run in seven tries in Champions Cup opener

This was never in doubt. On a grey, sodden day in north London, Clermont Auvergne initially defended with spirit before reverting to a more stereotypically French model for playing away from home and fell to a heavy 47-10 defeat.

A depleted, callow squad always looked likely to struggle against a Saracens side crammed with international quality, even despite the absence of England’s Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and Jamie George. The visitors were ultimately overwhelmed with Noah Caluori, the 19-year-old wing, proving a constant menace in a remarkably assured individual display. Saracens scored seven tries: the Argentina international wing Lucio Cinti got two, with Max Malins, James Hadfield, Caluori, Hugh Tizard and Theo Dan all chipping in. Mark McCall’s side are up and running in the Champions Cup: next Saturday’s meeting with the Sharks in Durban will be different, and more difficult, in every conceivable way.