Sam Warburton dazzled by Noah Caluori's aerial ability as Wales legend compares Saracens star to British & Irish Lions icon

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Sam Warburton says Noah Caluori's aerial prowess reminds him of a British & Irish Lions legend after his gravity-defying try in Saracens’ 19-15 win against Leicester Tigers.

Warburton identifies 'rare' Caluori strength which makes him 'one of the best in the world'

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The 19-year-old sensation scored his 18th try of the season in some style on Saturday, showing remarkable skill to beat the Tigers' defence with a delightful chip and chase that highlighted his ability in the air.

Caluori also impressed under the high ball as Sarries closed the gap between themselves and the top four heading into the climax of the Gallagher PREM season.

Warburton believes that Caluori’s strength in the air is comparable to that of British & Irish Lions icon George North and Australia and Tonga international Israel Folau.

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”There is a genetic ability there which is just so, so rare,” the former Lions captain said.

”The jumping ability, the height, the athleticism. From chatting to Jamie [George] off camera, he sounds like a really good worker and pro.

”He is also around some fantastic people. Not many people play the game at this age and can make such an impact.

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”I have got to think back to players like George North as a teenager. Aerially, I have not seen anyone as good. Israel Folau was similar.

”Already at this age, aerially, he is one of the best players in the world. Already. I think people are scared to say that.

”We are not saying he is the complete player just yet, but in the air, there aren’t many better than him.

”At 19 years of age, that’s pretty impressive.”

Caluori is in outstanding form heading towards a dramatic finish to the season, having also crossed the whitewash five times during his side’s 85-19 thrashing of Sale Sharks earlier this month.

He has now scored in each of his side’s past three matches and will almost certainly be an option for England’s fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina this summer.

Saturday’s win leaves Saracens in sixth place in the Gallagher PREM table, six points behind Exeter Chiefs in fourth.

'Some people are just born to the stage' - Caluori gets another try for Saracens

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Their final four games of the campaign will see them go head-to-head with Bristol Bears, Gloucester and Harlequins before facing Chiefs in what could be a season-defining clash on the final day.

Caluori’s Saracens team-mate Jamie George insists that the changing room are helping to keep the flying wingers’ feet on the ground after a breakout season.

”He gets a lot of stick,” said the England international. ”The boys are pretty sharp to keep his feet on the ground, but he is a good kid.

Caluori credits 'luck' after scoring 10 tries against Sale this season

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”He works really hard, he knows that he is not the finished package.

”He has got a lot of things to work on, but when you are given genetics like that, it is unbelievable that he has been able to utilise that in this way.

”He has been such a great find for us on the wing this year.”

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

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