Saracens overcame a half-time deficit to beat Gloucester 44-12 in their first home match of the 2013-14 Aviva Premiership season.

Things started badly for the visitors, as Nick Wood was shown a red card within the first minute of the match for use of the boot on Jacques Burger.

Joel Tomkins's 21st try was converted by Owen Farrell to put the home side ahead, but four first-half penalties from Freddie Burns gave 14-man Gloucester a slender 12-10 half-time lead.

However, a David Strettle try in the 49th minute was converted by Farrell, and the England international kicked another two penalties to extend his team's lead.

South African hooker Schalk Brits crossed the line just before the hour mark and Farrell kicked two more points.

With the 14 men of Gloucester tiring, Billy Vunipola and Strettle both crossed over for late tries to hand the home side a comfortable victory.