Despite being without five players on England duty and losing Charlie Hodgson and Neil de Kock through injury, Saracens moved into second in the Premiership, beating Newcastle Falcons 22-17.

And whilst director of rugby Mark McCall was the first to admit the performance had not been the best, the Ulsterman was also keen to underline the significance of the victory at Allianz Park.

A try from David Strettle, converted by Hodgson to add to his two penalties, was built upon by three penalties from replacement Ben Spencer to give Sarries a big four points in the Premiership title race.

Reflecting on the win, McCall told the club website the result had been more important than the performance.

He explained: “That was massive for us, it wasn’t really a good performance but it’s very important that we got the points.

“Today wasn’t really about the performance it was about getting the win. We must have been in their 22 for 70 per cent of the time, but we looked a bit blunt when we were there.

“I was disappointed with their maul tries and disappointed that our maul wasn’t better but delighted that we got four points.”

McCall also heaped praise on replacement Spencer, who replaced the injured de Kock and provided a match-winning input from the tee in the process.

Said McCall: “Ben has been the most patient man at the club because he’s behind many. He doesn’t complain and he works unbelievably hard.

“He’s seen examples of people who have waited for the chance and are now playing every week. He’s seen the example of guys like Jamie George, who has had to wait behind guys like Schalk Brits and John Smit, and now Jamie is playing every week and that will happen to Ben as well.”

The Men in Black face London Wasps at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Sunday, March 8 (kick-off 2pm).