Brilliant was the word used by Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall to describe his side’s fourth successive Premiership victory, 12-6 at Northampton Saints on Saturday.

The Men in Black continued their 100 per cent start to the new season by claiming a fourth win from as many games as they look to defend their Premiership title.

Four penalties from the ice-cool Owen Farrell did the damage for Sarries, who saw Stephen Myler and JJ Hanrahan reply with the boot at Franklin’s Gardens.

Reflecting on the win, McCall told the club’s website: ‘I thought it was a brilliant away performance by us.

“We came up here, ended up dominating the game and controlled the last 25 minutes, defended magnificently and I am chuffed to bits that we got a win at a very difficult place.

“We want to play, but sometimes you get games like today where the ball is incredibly slow and slippy and you have to grind it out – our job was to make sure we won.”

The Ulsterman had welcomed England international Billy Vunipola back into his side for the first time this season following the Red Rose’s World Cup disappointment.

But it was youngsters George Kruis and Maro Itoje who stole the show.

“I thought all of our English players were magnificent today – Richard Wigglesworth as well as Owen Farrell,” said McCall. “Brad Barritt led the team well in the second half when Alistair Hargreaves went off.

“Our young second rows were exceptional – George Kruis and Maro Itoje were truly brilliant and led the charge physically in the second half.”

Saracens kick off their European Cup campaign at home to Toulouse on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).