Charlie Hodgson marked his first appearance of the season for Saracens by scoring 18 points in an emphatic 40-3 victory over Newcastle.
The fly-half (above), who has been out with an Achilles injury, helped Sarries move two points clear of nearest rivals Northampton at the top of the Premiership table.
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: “Charlie looked like he’d never been away. He hadn’t played for two and a half months and to play that well was fantastic and showed what a class player he is. It was the complete performance.”
Controversial Australian back James O’Connor impressed on his London Irish debut but could not save them from a 19‑14 defeat at home to Northampton.
O’Connor, 23, found the tempo of the match challenging and said: “The speed of the game was very surprising. I thought Super Rugby was fast but I was really blowing out there, for sure.”
London Wasps recorded an excellent 32-30 win at Gloucester with England wing Christian Wade scoring two tries to boost his chances of a Test recall.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “The first try was a good finish but the second one was really special — and it was not props he was going around then, it was quality wingers. He is disappointed not to be with England but he is a very respectful kid as well.”
Harlequins, with Nick Easter in the lead, produced an impressive 23-16 win at Leicester.
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