Sarries leave it late to feel safe in France

England captain Steve Borthwick made a crucial call as Saracens beat Bayonne 16-6 to hold onto top spot in Pool Five of the European Challenge Cup.

Replacement Moses Rauluni scored the only try at Stade Jean Dauger four minutes from time after Borthwick opted to go for a scrum after a penalty had been awared.

Sarries had only a thee-point lead over the hosts, all from the boot of Glen Jackson, until Rauluni picked up from the base of a scrum and scurried over for an opportunist score to make up for a disallowed earlier effort from Kevin Sorrell.

Tempers had flared earlier when props Census Johnston and Julian Fiorini were sin binned for punching early in the second half.

London Irish were in outstanding form in Dax, recording a 38-0 victory - and they face the same opposition at home this weekend.

The Exiles took care of the locals despite the terrible weather conditions, with powerful wing Sailosi Tagicakibau leading the way with a hat-trick of tries.

He has been a key member of the Pacific Islanders squad during the autumn Tests and is now revelling being back with his London Irish team mates.