Saracens ensured they would finish top of the Aviva Premiership regular season standings with a hard-earned 23-14 victory over Bath at Allianz Park on Saturday.
The home side were nowhere near their best, playing only in fits and starts, but still did enough to gain a home semi-final against Northampton next weekend following tries from England internationals Chris Ashton, Mako Vunipola and Owen Farrell.
Farrell ended up with 13 points but he had a mixed game, missing with three kicks which would have provided his side with a more comprehensive victory. In addition, he picked up a first-half yellow card which helped Bath to get a foothold in the game.
Harlequins sealed third spot with a home victory over fellow play-off qualifiers Northampton. Saints’ Jamie Elliott cancelled out a first-half effort from Tom Williams. Second-half tries from Rob Buchanan and Tom Casson put the hosts 22-5 up and they held on despite scores from Dylan Hartley and Christian Day.
Reigning champions Quins will face Leicester in their semi-final. Although the two sides had already qualified for the play-offs, their final positions were still to be decided and both had a chance to overhaul second-placed Leicester if the Tigers slipped up against London Irish.
