Saracens claimed a thrilling seven try win over Bristol in the Gallagher Premiership this afternoon, beating out their opponents 39-31.
Other than being a highly entertaining contest, it also featured a rather unusual exchange between Owen Farrell and referee Luke Pearce.
Owen Farrell Gives It Back To Luke Pearce
Farrell - who is no stranger to the wrath of referees due to his often questionable tackle technique - turned the tables today and called out Pearce for the manner in which he was communicating to him.
Farrell: “That’s 3 at the maul.”
Pearce: “Thanks, I can count.”
Farrell: “Don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me.”
We're not sure we've ever seen the likes of this before, at least in such a high-profile match, and it makes one wonder whether we will see it in the future or whether it was just a once off.
READ HERE: Ronan O'Gara's Astute Defence Of Owen Farrell Goes Against The Tide
OW “that’s 3 at the maul”
LP “ thanks, I can count”
OW “don’t be rude to me, there’s no need to be rude to me”#SARvBRI pic.twitter.com/Z1ksII9bgr
— Tony Hill (@AntonyMHill) November 26, 2023
Be intrigued to see people’s reactions if this was said to a captain other than OF. It seems he is scrutinised to the nth degree on absolutely everything he does. Think he’s perfectly within his rights to say that to LP, was an antagonistic reply to a normal statement
— Zac Osborne (@zacosborne) November 26, 2023
"Dont be rude to me" Oh the irony from a man who is repeatedly rude to officials and crosses the line consistently.
— Steve Harris (@SteveHa12771218) November 26, 2023
"The scoreline doesn't tell the whole story," said Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola after the match.
"Probably a bit frustrating especially after what we did last week [beating Harlequins]. It's a win but the exciting bit is there's loads to work on - loads.
"Bristol wouldn't go away but a lot of it was down to our own doing, especially that try with Ibitoye. I don't think we chased hard enough and those are the things we pride ourselves on.
"We were a bit off it today - I can't put my finger on it. Most teams would take it, but for us that was very frustrating."
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