Pienaar vows to crackdown on violence that marred victory

Saracens coach Francois Pienaar has vowed to crack down on the violence that scarred his title-chasing side's comfortable Allied Dunbar Premiership victory over Bristol.

Internationals Danny Grewcock and Richard Wallace should both have been sent off for mindless acts of indiscipline during the 3720 Memorial Ground triumph yesterday.

But they escaped with yellow cards, despite England lock Grewcock stamping all over a 16th-minute ruck and Ireland wing Wallace landing a punch on Bristol forward Chad Eagle.

Had referee Chris Rees not taken the soft option, then Saracens would have faced losing two key players for vital forthcoming Premiership fixtures, including a March 25th championship showdown at Newcastle.

But Pienaar will not be taking any prisoners and said: "Discipline is vital. I will never condone punching; I don't want to see any repeat and I intend talking with Richard about it this week.

"Richard over-reacted to seeing a colleague, Kyran Bracken, being kicked. Both players - Wallace and Eagle - were lucky to stay on."

New Zealander Eagle also received a caution but reported no lasting damage from the Wallace blow, before jetting back home for a 10-day break to attend his brother Scott's wedding in Auckland.

Wallace was the hero and villain after scoring three sparkling tries.

Bristol coach Alan Davies said that punching had no place in rugby and urged referees to adopt a tough stance.

"I always ask referees what constitutes a good punch or a bad punch, but they have to take a tough line - otherwise you get mayhem. Richard Wallace applied his own retribution after Chad threw a foot out - I didn't know he possessed the full range of skills," said Davies.

Saracens secured their 11th league win of the campaign during a breathless first half.

Wallace crossed twice in the opening five minutes; French centre Philippe Sella celebrated his 36th birthday by sprinting over, and ex-Bristol scrum-half Bracken rounded off great work from right wing Ryan Constable.

Fly-half Michael Lynagh kicked two penalties and three conversions, with battling Bristol replying through tries for centre Adam Larkin and full-back Josh Lewsey.

Leicester coach Bob Dwyer rejected rumours sweeping Welford Road that a training ground bust-up had been the reason behind England star Austin Healey's omission from Tigers' 34-19 success against bottom club London Irish.

"Austin was injured - he had a calf strain," said Dwyer.

"But I had to use him on the replacements' bench because we were a bit short, as Michael Horak and Craig Joiner were not available."

Joel Stransky kicked 17 points, with England centre Will Greenwood (2) and wing Leon Lloyd claiming tries. Niall Woods booted 14 of Irish's points, but a niggly encounter saw referee Stewart Piercy dish out yellow cards to Irish pair Malcolm O'Kelly and Issac Fea'unati, plus Tigers flanker Paul Gustard.

Bath stayed third, courtesy of a 43-27 victory over champions Wasps, as Phil de Glanville, Jeremy Guscott, Dan Lyle and Ieuan Evans claimed tries, with full-back Jon Callard landing 17 points.

Yesterday's other Premiership encounter saw Gloucester move into fifth place after defeating Northampton 20-15.