There are humiliations. There are heavy defeats. And then there is what Saracens did to Sale Sharks on Saturday at the StoneX Stadium.
Eighty-five points. Thirteen tries. A margin of sixty-six. By the time the final whistle blew, the travelling Sale supporters had largely left, the Saracens faithful were equal parts delirious and disbelieving.
The performance was not just dominant — it was surgical. Saracens executed a game plan that dismantled Sale's defence in every phase, every channel, every contest.
Maro Itoje was everywhere. Eighteen carries, four turnovers won, eleven tackles. A lock playing like a force of nature. When Itoje performs at this level, Saracens are genuinely in a different tier to the rest of the league.
The scrum was a weapon. Saracens' front row dominated from the first engagement. Sale's set piece, already struggling this season, capitulated completely under the pressure.
This was more than a result. This was a statement. Saracens are back — and they are operating at a level this division has rarely seen.
"There are performances that win games, and performances that define eras. This was the latter. What Saracens did to Sale will be talked about for a very long time."