Saracens 30 Metro 13:ENGLAND fullback Alex Goode described Charlie Hodgson as the best outhalf in the Premiership after watching him orchestrate Saracens' Heineken Cup victory over Racing Metro.
Hodgson gave a masterclass in every department at King Baudouin Stadium on Saturday.
England coach Stuart Lancaster must choose between Toby Flood or Owen Farrell for the autumn knowing the nation’s strongest outhalf on form entered international retirement last summer.
Goode believes England’s loss is Saracens’ gain as he marvels at a 31-year-old who he views as the complete package.
“Charlie’s a fantastic player who has been the best 10 in the Premiership for the last 10-15 years,” he said.
“He’s a class player who knows when and when not to play.
“While he can throw 30-metre passes everywhere, his kicking against Racing was fantastic
“He’s a world class player and it’s great to have him on board.”
Goode’s hopes of retaining England’s fullback jersey next month improved with his lively display in Brussels.
Tries from Chris Wyles, Steve Borthwick and Will Fraser and 15 points from Hodgson cemented Saracens’ place at the summit of Pool One and as the best performing English club in Europe.
An estimated 2,000 supporters made the trip across The Channel for the club’s first overseas home game and the enterprise was deemed a success, not least financially.
Chief executive Ed Griffiths revealed they generated more money from holding the match in front of an 18,202 crowd in Brussels than they would have done with a usual gate of 6,000 attending at their Vicarage Road home ground.
The highlight of the afternoon was supplied by hooker Schalk Brits, whose magical acceleration, hand off, side-step and off-load set up Wyles’ opener.
“Schalk always wants to be in the back line! His move for Chris’s try was fantastic, it shows what a class act he is – a lot of centres would love to have his ability,” Goode said.
“It’s tough to tame him at time but he’s a fantastic talent and it’s great to have him in our team.”
SARACENS: Goode, Ashton, Farrell, Barritt, Wyles, Hodgson, de Kock, Gill, Brits, Stevens, Borthwick, Botha, Brown, Fraser, Wray. Replacements: Tomkins for Farrell (70), Strettle for Spn (60), Wigglesworth for de Kock (51), Vunipola for Gill (41), Smit for Brits (56), Nieto for Stevens (61), Hargreaves for Botha (54), Saull for Brown (65).
RACING METRO 92: Hernandez, Fall, Bergamasco, Estebanez, Imhoff, Barkley, Machenaud, Lo Cicero, Szarzewski, Ducalcon, Ghezal, van der Merwe, Battut, Le Roux, Cronje. Replacements: Germain for Barkley (41), Ben Arous for Machenaud (49), Noirot for Szarzewski (58), Orlandi for Ducalcon (64), Metz for van der Merwe (41), Matadigo for Le Roux (50). Not Used: Jane, Descons. Sin Bin: Le Roux (36).
Referee: N Owen (WRFU).
