Two-try salvo from Saracens' Jamie George suffocates the life out of Wasps

Watch rugby writer Paul Smith's on-the-whistle video summary from Saracens vs Wasps at Allianz Park, then read his match report.

Saracens reminded the pretenders to their Premiership and European crowns exactly why they hold both titles with a 30-14 bonus point win over Wasps.

The men-in-black’s remorseless, grinding rugby which is built on suffocating defence, a robust setpiece and meticulously planned tactical kicking game was simply too much for Dai Young’s team.

Although the visitors remained within a score of their hosts for 65 minutes, eventually the pressure told, and produced two further scores for replacement hooker Jamie George.

These supplemented first half efforts from Mako Vunipola and Mike Ellery, to which Wasps responded with the best score of the day, created by Danny Cipriani and finished by Josh Bassett.

This result knocks Wasps from the summit of the Premiership for the first time this season ahead of a five-week spell which contains only one domestic league game.

The visitors were forced into a last-minute reshuffle half-an-hour before kick off when Tommy Taylor was struck down by illness. This handed a Premiership debut to Tom Cruse, and a spot on the replacements’ bench to James Gaskell.

The hosts took an early lead with a try from a close-range lineout. Schalk Burger regathered a deflected chip and when Wasps were penalised on the ground, the defending champions went to the corner, then drove England prop Vunipola over.

Wasps struggled to generate quick ball from the breakdown in the first quarter, and consequently played most of their rugby behind the gainline. Former Wasp Alex Lozowski and Brad Barritt made half breaks for Sarries, and Wasps launched Ashley Johnson and Nathan Hughes at the hosts’ midfield, but much of the action took place between the two 22 metre lines.

Ashley Johnson of Wasps breaks away from Mako Vunipola of Saracens

Saracens conceded nine penalties before the break, and when Mike Rhodes was pinged in the tackle acting captain Gopperth put the visitors on the board from 20 metres.

However, the hosts struck back immediately through a Lozowski scrum penalty, awarded when Juan Figallo demolished the visitors’ front row.

A moment of Cipriani brilliance then created a superb score. The fly half stepped Billy Vunipola on halfway, then sent Bassett racing to the line for his third try in as many games.

It seemed likely that the sides would remain level at the break, but Saracens’ famed defence forced a second try on the half time whistle. Maro Itoje charged down Dan Robson’s clearance, then the Fez Heads kept the ball patiently until Richard Wigglesworth’s long pass released winger Ellery to the corner.

This gave Saracens a five point interval advantage, which Wasps nearly wiped out at the start of the second period, only for Lozowski’s scramble defence to defy Elliot Daly’s chip-and-chase. Nonetheless, Gopperth did soon reduce Wasps’ arrears to two points with a routine 25 metre penalty after the hosts obstructed support runners in front of Christian Wade’s darting break.

Lozowski restored the home side’s five point advantage with a 20 metre penalty when Wasps infringed on the ground, but missed from similar range a few minutes later. This enabled Gopperth’s third penalty, awarded at the breakdown, to again bring the visitors back within two points with 15 minutes remaining.

It looked set for a grandstand finish, but Saracens had different ideas and clearly demonstrated why they are so difficult to beat. Strong carries from Billy Vunipola and George enabled the hooker to pop up a second time and force his way over for a try which Lozowski improved.

The game was up for Wasps when Bassett received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle with four minutes remaining, but this still left time for Sarries’ forwards to drive replacement hooker George over for his second and their bonus-point-clinching fourth try.

Teams:

Saracens: Sean Maitland; Mike Ellery, Marcelo Bosch, Brad Barritt (Nick Tompkins,76), Chris Wyles (Matt Gallagher,65); Alex Lozowski, Richard Wigglesworth (Ben Spencer,69); Mako Vunipola (Titi Lamositele,76), Schalk Brits (Jamie George,50), Juan Figallo (Petrus Du Plessis,61); Maro Itoje (Jim Hamilton,76), George Kruis; Michael Rhodes (Jackson Wray,51), Schalk Burger, Billy Vunipola.

Wasps: Rob Miller (Kyle Eastmond,60); Christian Wade (Frank Halai,69), Elliot Daly, Jimmy Gopperth, Josh Bassett; Danny Cipriani, Dan Robson (Joe Simpson,40); Simon McIntyre (Matt Mullan,55), Tom Cruse, Marty Moore (Jake Cooper-Woolley,55); Matt Symons (James Gaskell,62), Kearnan Myall (Joe Launchbury,38); Ashley Johnson (Alex Rieder,62), Thomas Young, Nathan Hughes.

Referee: Matt Carley

HT: 13-8

MOM: Billy Vunipola

Attendance: 9911

Scorers:

Saracens:

Tries: M.Vunipola, Ellery, George (2)

Conversions: Lozowski, Spencer

Penalties: Lozowski (2)

Wasps:

Tries: Bassett

Conversion:

Penalties: Gopperth (3).

Kelly Brook brands ex Danny Cipriani a 'car crash' in cutting interview: 'He is drama, drama, drama'

Kelly Brook has branded her ex Danny Cipriani a "car crash" who is "drama, drama, drama".

The star has revealed all about her new romance with “cultural, intelligent and lovely” French beau Jeremy Parisi in a new interview, and took the opportunity to slam her ex footballer boyfriend.

Speaking to Weekend magazine of her ex Cipriani, she said: "He is drama, drama, drama. If it's not women, it's getting arrested. The guy's a car crash."

Ouch.

Kelly Brook shares a bedroom selfie with ex Danny Cipriani

But she was full of love for new man Jeremy, as they continue to go from strength to strength.

After suffering three broken engagements, model Kelly Brook says that she’s found Mr Right at last.

Kelly with her man Jeremy now

She says her “cultural, intelligent and lovely” French beau Jeremy Parisi is in a different league to her previous boyfriends, who she claims not only cheated on her but also used her for her fame.

Kelly, 36 – who has dated a series of actors and sportsmen, including Jason Statham, Billy Zane, David McIntosh, Thom Evans and Danny Cipriani – described her 18-month romance with martial arts expert Jeremy, 31, as the “most normal relationship” she’s ever had.

Kelly Brook and boyfriend Jeremy Parisi go for a dip

Isn't she gorgeous?

She told a magazine: “He’s so lovely and trustworthy. He’s a very private person who has great morals. I know I’m his priority – not work, not the limelight, just me.”

Kelly first saw Jeremy in a martial arts video and “fell in love at first sight”. They talked on Skype for six months before meeting.

But she said: “He hasn’t proposed and we’re not getting married any time soon.”

Champions Cup: The Four Standout Ties Not To Miss This Season

The remoulding of Europe’s premier competition didn’t exactly go down well on its introduction three years ago, but there’s little doubting now that establishing the Champions Cup has created a competition in which one mistake could prove to be lethal and every single group offers up some mouthwatering clashes.

Following on from Wednesday’s draw in Neuchatel, Switzerland, here are four ties that you would be best advised to park yourself in front of the TV or in the stands for.

Racing 92 v Munster

Normally the match-up of Leicester Tigers and Munster would steal the show after so many European classics over the years, but the two sides met as recently as last season in the pool stages. Therefore, this time around, the plotline of Ronan O’Gara, the Racing 92 assistant coach fresh from winning the Top 14 title in Barcelona, returning to the province where he played his entire career is very special.

Europe’s all-time leading points scorer and appearance holder will no doubt have a lump in his throat returning to Thomond Park for the first time since his retirement. That’s all before remembering that Racing, so hungry for success before the domestic triumph, will be desperate to add a European crown to their collection after missing out in this year’s Champions Cup final.

Connacht v Wasps

PRO12 champions against the rising force (well certainly the richest) of English rugby. Connacht only lifted the PRO12 title to the shock of everybody but themselves a few weeks ago but expectations are already rising about whether or not they can repeat or match last year’s shock factor by progressing in Europe.

Both teams will have been pleased by the prospect of 8-10 points from playing Zebre twice across the group stages, and Wasps will also have a chip on their shoulder following last season’s semi-final defeat to eventual champions Saracens. Considering what Connacht have already achieved and the names being added to the Wasps squad – Danny Cipriani and Kurtley Beale headlining the incomings – this fixture could be very special.

Saracens v Toulon

The reigning champions taking on their predecessors – that should be enough to lure you in. Saracens don’t want to be a one-title wonder; their aim is to emulate Toulon and win multiple trophies to become a dynasty.

History tells us that going back-to-back in Europe is enormously hard – only Leicester (2001 and 2002) and Leinster (2011 and 2012) have managed it. Along with, guess who, Toulon. Saracens by far and away were the best side in Europe in 2015/2016 and Toulon will be enraged by finishing their campaign without any silverware to their name. These two also have history – the 2014 final – adding some extra spice to what will be a mammoth match-up over the two games.

Exeter v Clermont v Bordeaux-Bègles

Premiership finalists for the first time in 2015/2016, Exeter Chiefs’ rise shows no signs of slowing down. They made this season’s European Cup quarter-finals off the back of Clermont’s implosion at home to… Bordeaux-Bègles. Pairing these three together the following season only seems right after that day of drama to decide the quarter-finals spots, and there are plenty of additional subplots at play as all three sides prepare to do battle once more.

Can Exeter’s squad handle two tough trips to France and improve on last season’s two defeats? How will Clermont bounce back after missing out on the knockout stages for the first time in four seasons? And will UBB, one of the fastest rising sides in France with flash new signings in Rebels lock Luke Jones and Leinster’s Ian Madigan, be able to cause an upset?

Fixtures have yet to be confirmed but the tournament gets underway in mid October.

Love Island: Watch ex-Miss Newcastle Sophie Gradon drop a dating bombshell

Sophie revealed a secret from her dating past to Miss Great Britain Zara Holland on Tuesday night's Love Island.

The Love Island action heated up on Tuesday night when former Miss Newcastle Sophie Gradon dropped a bombshell about her dating past.

Digital marketing manager Sophie revealed the secret to Zara Holland, who like the 30 year old has won Miss Great Britain.

Geordie girl Sophie is currently loved up with Tom Powell in the Love Island villa after choosing the Welsh fitness instructor to be her on-screen other half in the first episode of the itv2 dating show and once dated England rugby star and well known lothario Danny Cipriani.

But she told Zara, currently coupled up with Scott Thomas, brother of Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars Ryan and Adam, that going on Love Island and being romantic with guys was her way of giving men another shot after previously having two six month relationships with lesbian women.

On the subject of revealing things, Sophie did fail to mention the fact that she was a former Miss Great Britain after Zara, the current title holder, told her about her pageant success.

There were two new arrivals in the Love Island villa on Tuesday in the shape of Surrey carpenter Terry Walsh and Stevenage makeup artist Kady McDermott.

The show, presented by Caroline Flack, continues at 9pm tonight on itv2.

Kirsty Gallacher and Danny Cipriani have parted ways because of their age gap.

The 28-year-old English rugby ace and the 40-year-old TV presenter - who has children Jude, six, and Oscar, nine, with ex-husband Paul Sampson - have decided to part ways because their 12-year age gap began to highlight major differences between them.

A source told The Sun newspaper that Danny was finding things difficult as they were in different places in their life as he is so much younger and "she has kids".

The source said: "They decided to go their separate ways. It was mostly his doing. Kirsty was devastated but agreed it was for the best.

"She and Danny were intense for a while but it became difficult. It didn't help that he's younger and she has kids."

Sale Sharks fly-half Danny has a long romantic past with women that are older than him.

He previously dated Kelly Brook, 36, Katie Price, 37 and actress Lindsay Lohan, 29.

Kirsty was warned off the athlete by her former spouse because of his womanising reputation, but she was never put off by Danny's history with women.

A source close to Kirsty said: "She wasn't put off by his reputation. Kirsty was devastated but agreed it was for the best."

Danny Cipriani’s missed chances prove costly in Sale’s draw with Saracens

Sale’s director of rugby, Steve Diamond, was pleased with their draw against Saracens, despite Danny Cipriani costing his side victory with four missed conversions. Sharks were 17-0 up at one stage thanks to tries from Sam James, Johnny Leota and Tom Arscott but, following an excellent Sarries fightback, they found themselves 36-26 down with 10 minutes to go.

Late scores from TJ Ioane and Arscott duly rescued three points for Sale, but Cipriani was unable to hit the target from the tee to secure the win.

However, Diamond was content with the result, irrespective of the fly-half’s kicking woes. “I was delighted, particularly with being 10 points behind with 10 minutes to go,” he said. “I was really pleased with the last 15 minutes, it showed a lot of character. We were playing it out wide and scored a lot of good tries and Will [Addison] and Mike [Haley]were trying their best. In the last five games I think we’ve scored 19 tries and that’s what we’re good at doing so we will carry on in that vein.”

One frustration for Diamond could have been Chris Wyles’ second try, which was awarded just before half-time when the wing appeared to be in touch, but Diamond refused to be drawn into criticising the officials. “They had a dubious one in the corner, but you can’t whinge and moan, you’ve got to get on with it,” he said. “He was in touch, but you get on with it. They’ve got the TMO and, if he can’t see it, then there’s no point whinging about it.”

Saracens’ coach, Mark McCall, was also positive about the draw as his weakened outfit go seven points clear of second-placed Exeter Chiefs. He said: “Overall, we’ve got to be satisfied to get three points at a place where a lot of teams have struggled this year.

“We showed some good resilience and character to come back into it. The only disappointing thing was that when we got to 36-26 up, which seemed remarkable given the start we had, it was a little bit disappointing to let them back in, but they probably deserved it on the balance of play.

“We needed to tighten up our defence. We defended poorly in that first 20 minutes but we defended well in the second half.

“Even though they scored a couple of tries in the last 10 minutes, they had to work hard for those tries whereas they didn’t for the other three.”

Cipriani blunder costs Sale dearly

London - Danny Cipriani missed a late conversion that would have proved decisive as Sale were forced to settle for a thrilling 36-36 draw against Saracens in the English Premiership on Saturday.

Sale surged into an early 17-0 lead through tries from Sam James, Johnny Leota and Tom Arscott, but Saracens roared back to go ahead before the interval at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Jim Hamilton and Chris Wyles, who scored a pair of tries, touched down, while Charlie Hodgson and Ben Spencer added the conversions.

Hodgson, on his last appearance at the club where he started his career, also kicked a penalty before he was forced off with a head injury.

Cipriani kicked three penalties in the second period, but scores by Nick Tompkins and Mike Ellery moved the visitors 36-26 ahead.

TJ Ioane and Arscott crossed late on to haul Sale level again, but England international Cipriani was off-target with both conversions, the last of them following a 79th-minute try.

Elsewhere, James Hook scored 15 points to keep Gloucester in contention for the Premiership play-off and Champions Cup places with a 32-6 victory over Newcastle at Kingsholm.

Hook scored a try and kicked two penalties and two conversions before being replaced by Billy Burns with 16 minutes remaining.

Bill Meakes, Ross Moriarty, and Tom Savage also scored tries for Gloucester.

Billy Twelvetrees added a conversion with Craig Willis kicking two penalties for the Falcons.

Tom Collins scored his first senior hat-trick as Northampton routed Worcester 38-18 at Franklin's Gardens.

Collins, 21, showed electric pace and clever feet to help Saints to a much-needed bonus point win that avenged their opening-day defeat.

Worcester got two tries from Val Rapava-Ruskin and Wynand Olivier to give them a 15-12 half-time lead.

The game was still hanging in the balance until Collins scored his side's fifth try with 14 minutes remaining.

Harry Mallinder, Lee Dickson and George Pisi went over for Northampton's other tries.