Elliot Daly endured a difficult evening, as several errant kicks and knock-ons epitomised a night where little went right for him.
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Premiership leaders Northampton Saints secured their place in the grand final with a gripping 22-20 victory over Saracens.
Fin Smith’s five penalties steered the low-scoring encounter, while Owen Farrell appeared to play through injury in his final game for Saracens.
Burger Odendaal’s try helped the Saints to a 10-point lead at half-time.
Saracens responded after the break with Alex Lewington’s try, and Lucio Cinti’s 79th-minute score set up a dramatic finale, but the visitors ultimately fell short.
Fans on social media were quick to criticise the versatile England star Daly for his performance for Sarries.
One fan wrote: “Daly has had a shocker tbh.”
A second said: “Elliot Daly has had a Mare today!!”
Another ‘fan’ harshly commented: “. I can’t believe how terrible Elliot Daly is though, steals a living at the top of end the game & it’s criminal he’s picked for England.”
A fourth harshly said: “It’s a disgrace that Borthwick insists on picking Elliot Daly for England when there are far better and younger players out there”
Owen Farrell is among 24 Saracens departures this summer, it’s the end of an era
Saracens have announced that 24 players will be leaving the Premiership semi-finalists at the end of the season.
Among the departing players is Owen Farrell, who will join the French side Racing 92.
Since Farrell’s debut in 2008, Saracens have enjoyed an era of unprecedented success, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.
The reigning league champions, known as the Men in Black, are preparing for their 13th Premiership semi-final in 15 seasons, facing Northampton on Friday night for a spot in Twickenham’s grand final.
Speaking ahead of the game, Farrell emphasised the importance of the match for the club rather than the departing players.
“It’s more a big week for the club. I don’t think this defines anything for anyone personally here, it’s more we want to get the best out of what’s in front of us now – that’s all we’re focusing on,” he told BBC Sport London.
“It’s a good challenge ahead of us this weekend so one we should be looking forward to, not one where we could be thinking it’s all over.”
Check out the full list of departures below.
Saracens departures:
Owen Farrell to Racing 92
Christian Judge to Béziers
Alex Lewington (retired)
Tom West to Northampton Saints
Billy Vunipola (released)
Mako Vunipola (released)
