While they miss out on the try, play is pulled back for an earlier penalty and Greig Tonks lands the first points of Premiership rugby in the United States to put London Irish ahead.

A few replays needed to spot that London Irish wing Alex Lewington has just edged into touch as he dived over.

Positive start from the Exiles.

Alex Lewington gets over in the corner. Video replays for a foot in touch?

The Red Bull Arena pitch looks brilliant, as it should considering that football (soccer) tenants New York Red Bulls have played there just once this season so far.

With the sun blazing on a cool New Jersey day, all the conditions are there for an open game of rugby to unfold.

So far, not so much. But still very early.

Apparently, the planned singing of the national anthem was scrapped because of the delay.

London Irish's Tom Cruse with two early line outs, some defensive clearances needed from the Exiles.

Low key start to a headline event...

Under the star spangled flag of the United states for the first time, Premiership rugby is kicked off.

London Irish's Greig Tonks is the first to put the laces through the ball on this historic occasion.

Both teams emerge from the tunnel at Red Bull Arena.

There is a warm reception for Saracens... no one losing their mind just yet!

London Irish come out in their shamrock-covered commemorative kit. Their support somewhat more vocal.

We are just minutes away from this groundbreaking game in New Jersey. The fans are taking their seats, anticipation grows. 

The kick-off is going to be a little later than expected.

This is one for the trivia masters out there.

Who are the reigning Olympic rugby union champions?

New Zealand? France? Team GB? Australia?

Well, that list is likely to go on and on before you get to the answer - United States.

Yep, in 1924 when rugby union was played for the first and up until now the only time, the US took gold.

Rugby union makes its Olympic return at Rio this coming summer in the form of sevens. Any one up for backing the US this time around?

Image source, get

There will be a tug of war for local hearts in the United States today, but Saracens might very well be the ones with more pull.

In their corner they have second-row forward Hayden Smith, who is known to many locals after a spell in the NFL as a New York Jets tight end.

Wing Chris Wyles is also a former US national team captain and  prop Titi Lamositele is also an Eagle.

London Irish have a North American flavour of their own, with Canada centre Ciaran Hearn.

It's simply too good an opportunity to pass up, so let's get cheesy for a moment.

Just let me point out that Tom Cruse is starting at hooker for London Irish (so much of this sentence would just sound off to American eyes that have little idea about the game).

For clarity, Tom Cruse shares a similar name to Tom Cruise, Hollywood mega star. Similarities stop there. See split picture below.

Hooker, also, is a rugby position in the front row. Enough said.

Image source, Getty Images/Rex Features

Saracens name Alex Goode at full-back after he was released from Six Nations duty by England head coach Eddie Jones.

Jared Saunders, Juan Figallo and Jaques Burger come into the side, which lost to Northampton last time out.

And there has been a late change with Marcelo Bosch out with illness, replaced by Nick Tompkins at centre.

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: Porecki, Lamositele, du Plessis, Hargreaves, Brown, de Kock, Earle, Ransom. 

London Irish make three changes from their defeat at Bath as Scotland international Greig Tonks makes his full debut at fly-half.

Tom Cruse replaces David Paice at hooker, while Blair Cowan gets the nod at openside flanker, with skipper Luke Narraway moving to blindside.

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: Ellis, Court, Halavatau, Lloyd, Trayfoot, Allinson, Brophy Clews, Mulchrone. 

Image source, Getty Images

Looking for a unique twist on the St Patrick's Day celebrations in the Big Apple, it seems that New York-backers saw London Irish as a good bet.

If ever the name and heritage of a club was to serve a club, today is it. They are playing a lead role in getting the party started!

Image source, Getty Images

There are those that will walk a thousand miles to fall at one's door. But what about those who will travel almost 3,500 miles to catch a London Irish home game on a different continent?

When it comes to home games, the Exiles have certainly taken the concept to a new extreme. And of course, even for a road trip for a domestic fixture this is a trek and a half for Sarries!

Image source, Getty Images

English rugby's top prize on display in Times Square, billboards flashing with details of the game, a myriad of players delivering coaching across New Jersey - fair to say it has been a busy week for all involved. 

Impossible not to include something with the big girl in there!