London (AFP)

Racing 92 narrowly missed the feat on Sunday among victorious Saracens (27-24) for this last day of hen and possibly qualified, after having learned their administrative relegation at the end of the season.

Already qualified, Racing sees the possibility of receiving in the quarterfinals receding. This would require a defeat without bonus from the Toulouse, already qualified, against Gloucester Sunday (early 4:15 pm). The Saracens hope on the contrary a defeat of Gloucester, still in the running for qualification.

They had released the entire armada for their swan song before facing a bleak future in a few months. Winning bet and situation to say the least original: the Saracens can still be European champions, while their descent into the second division was recorded on Saturday by the authorities after several breaches of the rule of the salary ceiling.

The era of domination of the Saracens, three times European champion and four times England since 2015, is therefore not yet closed.

Under a bright London sun, ironically contrasting with the cataclysm hitting their club, the stars of the "Sarries" offered their audience at Allianz Park what could be their last home show. Last because in case of qualification, their quarter will be played outside.

- Vakatawa was not enough -

The locals started strong. Wanting to register four tries to take the bonus, they took from the second minute a touch rather than a penalty. Winning choice with the power test of Maro Itoje after a stint with Billy Vunipola.

Reduced to 14 after a yellow card from Teddy Iribaren (11th), the Racingmen are again overwhelmed by determined Saracens and the other Vunipola brother, Mako (12th, 14-0).

In a crazy first quarter of an hour, the fiery legs of Virimi Vakatawa, who rocked after picking up a lost ball, allowed the Ile-de-France to close the gap (14th, 14-7). Then, after a penalty from the captain of the Three Lions Owen Farrell (18th, 17-7), it was Louis Dupichot, author of an interception, who reduced the Ciel et blanc to three points (27th, 17-14).

The adage 'when Vakatawa goes, everything goes' was then again verified with the double from the center (31st, transformed 17-21).

Without Billy Vunipola injured, 14 after the expulsion of Will Skelton (dangerous tackle, 39th) and after a penalty from Iribaren (46th, 24-17), we thought the English were wiped out. But the test of survival intervened: after a risky foot game, Maro Itoje replied to Vakatawa with a double to equalize (49th, 24-24).

The teams put 14 against 14 by the yellow of Bernard Le Roux (69th), the showdown continued without a point until the saving penalty of Farrell (76th). A nice kick from the nose to the catastrophic situation of the London club.

© 2020 AFP