Back row heavyweights
When do the back rows not have a decisive say in the modern game? In Billy Vunipola, Saracens have one of the most devastating ball carriers in the competition, with Kelly Brown’s grafting and Jacques Burger’s defensive strengths complementing the England No. 8′s power effectively.
Opposite number Steffon Armitage had a relatively quiet semi-final against Munster, but has been among the finest players in the Heineken Cup this season. Juan Smith and Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe are rounded, intelligent and aggressive players, with both offering handling ability alongside their physical contributions.
The collisions between these units will be memorable, as both look to generate the kind of momentum their teams thrive on in building scoring opportunities for their out-halves.
Plan B
There are several similarities between Toulon and Saracens on the pitch, as well as in the way the clubs are run and perceived. Both sides have powerful packs, out-halves who kick the ball well and strong defences.
Bernard Laporte and Mark McCall’s teams have prospered in game plans that aim to build pressure on the opposition by attacking in narrow channels, bludgeoning over the gain line and winning penalties for Jonny Wilkinson and Owen Farrell to kick.
However, this season has seen both clubs embrace width in their systems, an ability to beat the oppositions with finesse and pace, as well as pure combat. In what should be a tight game, switching to Plan B may be essential.
Midfield solidity
The evenly-balance nature of this game is summed up well in the centre pairings. Toulon have greater star quality in Matt Giteau and Mathieu Bastareaud, but Saracens’ duo Brad Barritt and Marcelo Bosch are as defensively sound as anyone in Europe.
Bastareaud has been a menacing presence against almost every team he has faced this season, but Saracens’ ‘wolf pack’ defence will relish the opportunity to cut him down. Against that wall of tacklers, it may be Giteau’s playmaking that proves more effective.
The Australian has been sublime for Toulon throughout the current campaign, and his passing, communication and sniping break are vital to the Top 14 outfit. Punching well above his 85kg weight, Giteau can lead his side to a second consecutive title.
Wilkinson and Farrell
Wilkinson has understandably been a focus in the build-up to this game, as he gets set for his second last appearance as a professional. The 34-year-old is a hero in Toulon, having been credited with taking the club to its current level but, equally, the Englishman owes his team for developing him as a player.
Often seen as one-dimensional earlier in his career, Wilkinson has played closer to the gain line in recent years, prompting his forwards and blindside wings onto the ball with clever short passes. Alongside that, his ability to float long passes off both hands opens the pitch up.
Similarly, Farrell has been criticised for his poor vision in attack, but has shown genuine signs of improving in that area this season. Still only 22, he is already playing at an impressively high quality.
However, for all that broadening of skillsets, this final may be more about the out-halves’ kicking and mental capabilities.
Ireland’s Mark McCall v France’s Bernard Laporte
Oddly, the involvement of former Ireland international Mark McCall has not garnered as much attention as might have been the case if, say, Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins were involved in this final.
That takes nothing away from the job the Ulsterman has done at Saracens, building a highly effective team and, perhaps more importantly, a wholesome squad culture. Outsiders may dislike Sarries, but there is real unity within the club.
Laporte has done much the same with his superstar-laden Toulon group, encouraging Mourad Boudjellal to look at personality as well as experience when recruiting. Both clubs are aware of the importance of welcoming the players’ families into the fray, ensuring that off-the-pitch difficulties are less of an occurrence.
These are two highly-motivated, expertly-skilled European club sides. We will be watching with interest.
Toulon: Delon Armitage; Drew Mitchell, Mathieu Bastareaud, Matt Giteau, Bryan Habana; Jonny Wilkinson (capt.), Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Xavier Chiocci, Craig Burden, Carl Hayman, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw; Juan Smith, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Steffon Armitage.
Replacements: Jean-Charles Orioli, Alexandre Menini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Ali Williams, Virgile Bruni, Maxime Mermoz, Michael Claassens, Jocelino Suta.
Saracens: Alex Goode; Chris Ashton, Marcelo Bosch, Brad Barritt, David Strettle; Owen Farrell, Richard Wigglesworth; Mako Vunipola, Schalk Brits, Matt Stevens; Steve Borthwick (capt.), Alistair Hargreaves; Kelly Brown, Jacques Burger, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Jamie George, Richard Barrington, James Johnston, Mouritz Botha, Jackson Wray, Neil de Kock, Charlie Hodgson, Chris Wyles.
Referee: Alain Rolland [IRFU].
Kick-off: 5.00pm.
