Henson: Impressive return to action

Wales double Grand Slam winner Henson, handed what he admits is a "final chance" to resurrect his career, kicked 13 points on his delayed first appearance for the Exiles after fracturing his cheekbone in a pre-season match against former club Scarlets.

Henson kicked three penalties and converted tries by Phil MacKenzie and Tom Arscott before Welsh forced Saracens to survive a torrid final few minutes.

Saracens held on for a 28-23 win, and Jones, who rested veteran former Scotland fly-half Gordon Ross to make way for Henson, said: "I thought for his first game back in God knows how long, his performance was very good. He was hugely influential.

"Gordon has been brilliant for us all season and he really deserved a rest."

Jones admitted his promoted side were fortunate to gain a consolation point as Saracens managed just one try despite enjoying the lion's share of possession.

"To play as badly as we did and come away with a losing bonus point is a plus," he said.

"Saracens are a quality side and they played very well today."

Jones was pleased with his team's spirit, enthusiasm and willingness to attack from deep but he said: "The next aim is to be more accurate."

But he was less than happy that referee Luke Pearce blew the final whistle with his pack pressurising the Saracens forwards, who had conceded three penalties in a row, as they tried to force a way through - or a penalty try.

The official ended the match when the set-piece went down again but Jones added: "I didn't think it was right to finish the game on an incomplete scrum.

"We had seven reds going forward and one was taken to the floor."

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall had nothing but praise for Charlie Hodgson, who scored all of his side's 28 points.

McCall, who rested a number of key players including England backs Alex Goode, Brad Barritt and Chris Ashton, brought back Hodgson at fly-half with Owen Farrell switching to the centre.

He said: "Charlie was great today. Charlie and Owen combined well."

But, McCall, whose side hung on and survived a late assault which earned Welsh their bonus point, reflected: "After 60 minutes everything was good and it should have been more comfortable than it was."

Twenty-four hours after the Aviva Premiership's top two, Northampton and Harlequins, suffered surprise defeats against Exeter and London Irish respectively, McCall said: "Those two games are an illustration of how hard this competition can be."

The victory takes Saracens back up to fourth place and McCall added: "We are round about where we want to be in the Premiership.

"We have rotated the squad sensibly in the first six games and we are fresh."