Saturday 3 December 2016 16:00, UK
Maro Itoje played the full 80 minutes on his comeback as Saracens lost 14-11 to Bath in their Aviva Premiership clash at the Recreation Ground.
European player of the year Itoje missed England's four-Test autumn series after breaking his right hand during Saracens' European Champions Cup clash against the Scarlets in late October.
A six week lay-off ensued, but he reappeared as Saracens maintained their place at the Premiership summit despite the defeat, with his return coming a week before they resume their European campaign through back-to-back games against Sale Sharks.
Three Tom Homer penalties and a Max Clark try lifted Bath into second place, but lock Itoje was praised for his performance by Sarries boss Mark McCall.
McCall said: "Even in the first half, when we weren't quite as good as a team, I thought Itoje shone out a little bit.
"He carried the ball well all the way through the game, and overall I thought he did well.
"That was a game, I think everyone will agree, we probably should have got something more out of. Maybe a draw would have been a fair result.
"We had one bad half of rugby in the last three games, which was today.
"We have acquitted ourselves very well during this international period, and all credit to the players for getting stuck in and showing a lot of spirit. We have got nine points from the three games, and we are in a half-decent position."
Bath remain firmly in the title play-off mix, and rugby director Todd Blackadder said: "We overcame a psychological hurdle today.
"We were outstanding in the first half, but we had to absorb a lot of pressure in the second half. The defensive performance showed the desire - the players worked so hard for each other.
"It's a psychological hurdle of winning and beating a really good side, and we will be better for that.
"I am really pleased with where we are. We have been in the fight every single game that we've played. We haven't had a time when we have not turned up physically and mentally."
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