February 26, 2001 15:24: A WOEFUL second-half performance from Saracens saw them crash to their heaviest defeat of the season 56-15 at Leicester on Saturday.

The well-documented Martin Johnson and Duncan McRae incident appeared to motivate and inspire the champions who at times were irresistable and look set to deservedly retain their title.

Saracens matched their opponents in a pulsating first period and even took the lead at fortress Welford Road when Richard Haughton beat Tim Stimpson to the ball to touch down.

After Leicester had regained their composure to score two tries of their own, Darragh Mahony kept Sarries within touching distance when he displayed deft footballing skills to score a wonderful try to leave the half-time score 23-15.

The second half saw Saracens miserably fail to attempt to contain the marauding Tigers, who ran in five unanswered second-half tries, including four from Irish wing Geordan Murphy.

Saracens' display was typified by an erratic kicking display by Duncan McRae who missed four efforts in comparison to his opposite number Stimpson who scored a record 31 points for Leicester.