McCall backs stand-down policy as England stars shine in Saracens win

Quins and England fly-half Marcus Smith was prevented from playing by the same rule in the capital derby but Saracens could call on the services of man-of-the-match Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje as they overcame an early 17-0 deficit.

And they fielded two more experienced England internationals at the Twickenham Stoop, with front-row forwards Mako Vunipola and Jamie George coming off the bench.

All five of that quintet were involved in England's tour of Australia in July, which ought to have meant they were then each unavailable for a further 10 weeks.

But, in part because of what was deemed to be a relatively lighter workload last season, they were all cleared to play this weekend by the bodies overseeing the directive - a group that includes England head coach Eddie Jones, the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players' Association. 

The same regulation, however, was deployed to keep Smith out of action, leading to questions over the worth of the player-welfare measure.

McCall, having seen his side launch their campaign with a hard-fought win - Saracens had a bye last week in a 13-team league - said a degree of flexibility was required when it came to applying the procedure. 

"We chose to start Maro, Billy and Owen and they were a big part of why we won," he said. "Jamie's and Mako's experience coming off the bench at this kind of place is good, but it was a good team performance."

'Case by case basis'

Former Ireland international McCall, who saw Saracens score four tries from 17-0 down, including two from wing Max Malins, added: "Our players haven't had a big load over the last couple of years when you think about the Championship year when we didn't play any rugby until March.

"It's very important that there isn't a general rule for everybody. It shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all. It should be a case by case basis."

Quins counterpart Tabai Matson refused to publicly criticise the regulation after seeing his side squander a commanding lead.

"We have a discussion and whether we get a thumbs up or thumbs down, they (the rugby authorities) give us a reason. We accept that and move on."