Saracens 34 Bath 24: Alex Goode puts himself in the frame for Ireland showdown

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was effusive in his praise for Goode after he was instrumental in Chris Wyles’ first-half try

Alex Goode set up two of Saracens’ three tries and landed 14 points with the boot in the win over Bath (Getty)

Alex Goode made a compelling case for an England recall against Ireland after the Saracens full-back masterminded his side’s 34-24 victory against Bath yesterday.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was effusive in his praise for Goode after he was instrumental in Chris Wyles’ first-half try and his deft grubber kick that set up Chris Ashton for his second-half effort.

The Saracens No 15 also kicked 14 points after Charlie Hodgson injured a hamstring early on in the contest.

“I thought he was phenomenal,” said McCall. “Not just in attack, but he must have made two or three last-ditch tackles on their wingers. He was outstanding today.”

Goode and Brad Barritt were released from Stuart Lancaster’s England squad in midweek and McCall was equally thrilled with Barritt’s display.

“I thought Brad Barritt was phenomenal as well today,” McCall added. “He handled the ball brilliantly at times. It’s always very disruptive having someone who comes back midweek who hasn’t quite got what he wants but it tells you a lot about Brad that he can come back and deliver a performance like that for his club.”

Leading 11-3 at half-time, Sarries came flying out the blocks after the break and carved out a 21-point lead with tries from Jamie George and Ashton. Bath staged a fightback as wingers Semesa Rokoduguni and Olly Woodburn crossed for late tries to leave Sarries clinging on.

Wasps produced an impressive performance to record a convincing 37-6 home win over rivals Harlequins, while Sale grabbed maximum points as they buried basement side London Welsh 52-12 under an eight-try barrage at the Kassam Stadium.