Saracens sealed a home quarter-final in the European Challenge Cup after easing to a 24-3 win at Mont de Marsan this evening.

The Men in Black completed a clean sweep with their sixth consecutive victory in Pool Five to send them into the last-eight full of confidence. Early tries from Andy Farrell and Matias Aguero put them in command in torrential rain in Mont de Marsan. The home side dug deep and refused to cave in but a third try from Don Barrell rounded off a solid performance by the Guinness Premiership side.

Eddie Jones made a number of changes to the side for their last pool match in the competition. Glen Jackson was left out as Gordon Ross deputised at fly half. Alex Goode was recalled at full-back while Farrell was fit to return to partner Kevin Sorrell at centre. With Neil de Kock and Moses Rauluni both out injured, and new signing Justin Marshall unavailable, rookie Mickey Wilson got a chance to stake a claim for a spot at scrum half.

The hosts struck first in the fourth minute when Jean Mazinetto converted a penalty to give them an early lead. But Ross replied for the Men in Black within minutes from a penalty after a home player came in from the side.

Saracens seized control of the match in the 19th minute when they went in front from the first score of the game. Ross set up Farrell and the former Rugby League star evaded two players to dive under the posts for his first try of the season. Ross added the conversion to hand the visitors a 10-3 lead.

Sarries looked poised to add a second try soon afterwards when Cencus Johnston charged through but he dropped the ball on a slippery surface. But they did not have to wait long as they consolidated their advantage over the French club. Andy Saull picked up the ball from a five-metre scrum and he played in Aguero. The Italian prop crossed over the line for his second try in the last fortnight and Ross added another conversion.

The second half got underway in difficult conditions as the heavy rain, which threatened to prevent the match getting underway, continued in France. Sarries came close to adding a third try six minutes after the restart but Noah Cato was penalised for a knock-on as Goode was about to touch the ball down.

Saracens extended their lead in the 48th minute as they took advantage of a set piece. Kris Chesney collected a lineout near Mont de Marsan’s line and set up Barrell. The 22-year-old marked a rare start by forcing his way over for their third try. Ross maintained his consistency with the boot by superbly kicking over the conversion from the left touchline.

Adam Powell replaced Farrell midway through the second half and within five minutes of coming on, the England Saxons centre was given a yellow card after an illegal challenge during a rare Mont de Marsan attack.

Jones made a number of positive changes with 14 minutes remaining to try and secure a fourth try bonus-point as Kameli Ratuvou and Edd Thrower were introduced to the action. Sarries’ director of rugby also handed 20-year-old prop Jordan Mitchell his debut for the club as a late replacement for Aguero.

Saracens piled on the pressure late on and were inches away from forcing the ball over from a lineout just near the tryline. But the home side’s resistance held out to deny them the fourth try.

Mont de Marsan: Mazzinetto, Le Roux, Senio (Genthieu, 58), Taele, Abbad, Urruty, Tandonnet; Leleu, Leota (Blanchard, 50), Ormaechea (Coutts, 55), Rawls, Berek, Brethous, Bernard, Tastet

Saracens: Goode, Cato (Ratuvou, 66), Sorrell (Thrower, 66), Farrell (Powell, 56), Penney, Ross, Wilson; Aguero (Mitchell, 72), Ongaro (Walker, 66), Johnston (Mercey, 66), Borthwick, Chesney, Seymour, Saull (Skirving, 66), Barrell

Scoring: 3-0, 3-3, 3-8, 3-10, 3-15, 3-17 HT 3-22, 3-24