Flying Fijian utility forward Api Ratuniyarawa started at lock this morning for London Irish as they survived with just 12 men to beat Saracens 29-20. Ratuniyarawa played an instrumental role in the win, causing trouble for the opposition in the line-outs and set plays.
It was an absorbing contest as both teams scored two converted tries each but the difference came from the boots of London Irish first five-eighth Paddy Jackson converting five penalties to hand Saracens their first defeat of the season.
Both teams were reduced to 14 men earlier in the first spell with a red card each to Adam Cole and Ben Earl, but the Exiles were further reduced to 12 men later in the second spell with two yellow cards to Rory Jennings and Rob Simmons within minutes.
This is London Irish third win of the season, and it was the product of huge heart and resolve to knock off the league leaders and deny them a losing-bonus point of their own.
In the end though, despite getting within a score's reach, Irish kept them at arm's length for a priceless victory.
[Source: BBC Sports]
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