LV= Cup: Saracens beat Worcester to advance to last four

Ernst Joubert: scored early try for Saracens

Sam Stanley: Saracens back runs into traffic

An under-strength Saracens qualified for the semi-finals of the LV= Cup with a 22-12 victory over Worcester at Sixways.

Saracens pipped London Irish to top Pool Three and likely face an away semi-final when the competition resumes in the middle of March.

They scored an excellent early try through the outstanding Ernst Joubert, but had to rely on the goal-kicking skills of scrum-half Ben Spencer for the remainder of their points.

Saracens made an excellent start, taking the lead after only three minutes. They produced a superb handling movement which ended with number eight Joubert selling a neat dummy and running 20 metres unopposed to score a try which Spencer converted.

Spencer added a 10th-minute penalty before Worcester mounted their first attack of the match, an unstoppable 20-metre drive from their forwards resulting in Blair Cowan crashing over for the try which Andy Goode converted.

Saracens suffered another blow when centre Adam Powell left the field with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Chris Wyles before, on the stroke of half-time, a second penalty from Spender gave the visitors a 13-7 cushion.

Worcester survived a spell of early pressure in the second hald and then turned the tables, a clever cross-field kick from Goode allowing Josh Drauniniu to collect for a try. Goode converted.

Immediately following the try, Worcester introduced Matt Kvesic - released from the England squad - Paul Hodgson and Neil Best from the bench, but it was Saracens who extended their advantage when Spencer kicked another penalty.

Spencer first hit a post with another penalty attempt but late on succeeded with two more to seal a notable win for his side.

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