Alex Goode has been masterfully disguising cute dinks through the line for 15 years, and yet Saracens’ opponents still cannot see them coming.
The 34-year-old full-back conjured another trademark cunning kick to stun the Ospreys backline and tee up the try that turned this Champions Cup knockout match in Saracens’ favour.
Trailing by seven points approaching the hour, Goode shaped to punt deep but chipped just behind the Ospreys’ defensive line.
Andy Christie knew exactly what was on, scooped up and then sent Max Malins inside and across the line.
That one kick sparked a run of 22 unanswered points as Saracens stormed to a 35-20 victory over the Ospreys – to tee up a quarter-final clash at defending champions La Rochelle.
Malins crossed twice, with Duncan Taylor and Tom Woolstencroft also bagging scores for the Men In Black.
Saracens struggled at the top of the day however, with the Ospreys preying on plenty of off-kilter approach play from the hosts to claim leads of first 14-6 and then 20-13.
The Welsh regional outfit could hold onto neither advantage however, as once again Saracens showed the depth of their resolve, character and calmness under pressure.
And so now Saracens can be considered serious contenders to add to their three European crowns.
Boss Mark McCall has been guarding against tipping Saracens in such a category on their first top-tier European campaign in two years.
But while there were plenty of early errors here, Saracens continue to set standards in finishing off a wobbling opponent.
This was Goode’s 43rd consecutive knockout match for the decorated Saracens across both Europe and the Premiership. However much Saracens are building again after their salary cap penalties and relegation, such winning muscle memory is simply never wasted.
A stern test awaits at La Rochelle, but few tend to bet against Saracens, whatever the circumstances.
Owen Farrell’s recent goalkicking travails continued from the off, as the England skipper shanked a regulation effort off the tee.
The fly-half slotted his second attempt, straight in front of the posts, but the hosts’ 3-0 lead hardly lasted at all.
Ospreys worked full-back Collins home, after busting through midfield.
Saracens powered over the whitewash in reply at the end, but to no avail.
So when Kieran Williams finished after Justin Tipuric had gone close, Ospreys developed a 14-3 lead midway through the first-half.
Saracens escaped further punishment after flanker Ethan Roots had driven Alex Goode backwards at least 10 metres in a tackle, with the Welshmen bungling a lineout deep in the home 22.
Farrell had to settle for a penalty after knocking on in sight of the line as Sarries hit back, leaving the hosts trailing 14-6.
Ben Earl’s powerful break put Saracens back on the front foot, forcing Kieran Williams into a risky attempt at a turnover – and that led to a yellow card for the Ospreys 12.
Saracens bungled their penalty lineout maul, but smashed the Ospreys off the five-metre scrum to atone immediately.
Malins sneaked in at the right corner with the half’s last play, to drag Sarries right back into the argument.
Farrell’s immaculate touchline conversion left Saracens trailing 14-13 at the break, a remarkable feat given their decidedly sluggish start.
Owen Williams landed two penalties in seven minutes at the top of the second-half to stunt Sarries’ comeback, but the Men In Black are never done.
Evergreen full-back Goode came to the rescue with a typically cute try-conjuring dinked kick.
Goode’s mini chip through the line allowed Andy Christie to scoop up and stun the Ospreys cover, before flicking an inside pass to send Malins in for his second score.
Farrell’s conversion had Saracens level at 20-20 – but crucially and finally, right in the mood.
The home skipper’s third penalty of the match pushed Saracens into the lead for the first time, and after that, they never looked back.
Scotland centre Taylor quickly cantered in for a cunning try to cement the lead, claiming full dividend for backing up a touch finder and lurking in midfield.
Ospreys scrum-half Webb flung a quick lineout pass into centrefield, and Taylor set himself in the right place at the right time, to collect and stroll under the posts.
Farrell’s conversion pushed the home men into a 30-20 lead, and Woolstencroft’s try on the stroke of full-time sealed another remarkable Saracens win.
