Best Of The Weekend: Saracens and Clermont Reach European Final

Saracens subdue Munster at the Aviva

The reigning champions, Saracens, made it through to yet another Champions Cup final by dispatching Munster in typically no-nonsense fashion. It will be the third time in four years that they have partaken in the showpiece event of European Rugby, and will feel all the more vital having beaten a Munster side that not only have two titles under their belt, but were riding an emotional wave in the competition this year. It also felt like a monkey off the back for the England players who were so comprehensively outplayed on their last visit to the Irish-packed Aviva Stadium, when they let a Grand Slam slip through their fingers.

Munster dominated the possession and territory statistics in the opening half, but were met by a brutally efficient Saracens defence that never let them get a real sniff of the line. The Irish province were trying and trying to rattle the ‘Wolfpack’, but ended up going into the dressing rooms 6-3 down, courtesy of two Owen Farrell penalties to one from Tyler Bleyendaal. On the resumption, the Londoners began dominating ball-carrying and scrums, whilst also cutting out their silly penalties, enabling them to build a steady lead. Farrell slotted a couple of penalties and Mako Vunipola barged his way over to leave the game very much out of Munster’s reach. Chris Wyles confirmed what was already written on the wall, when he latched onto Farrell’s grubber. Ch Stander scored a late consolation, but that is all it was, with the red army perishing 26-10.

There could be no objections over the result, but Munster can feel immensely proud in their journey, which covered the late Anthony Foley’s name in glory. The future is bright for them, and with a Pro12 semi-final on the horizon as well, the season is far from over for them. Saracens march on; their relentless desire to be the best game upon game and season upon season completely undimmed. It would take a fool to bet against them doing back-to-back doubles, but they will have to navigate some stern opposition first………

Lopez sees Clermont through thriller

The perennial bridesmaids that are Clermont will be meeting Saracens in Edinburgh, having steered clear of an inspired Leinster comeback. It gives them the ideal opportunity to claim a title after having lost too many finals. Leinster, meanwhile, were dead on their feet at the final whistle, having given everything. However, like Munster, the Pro12 is still very much up for grabs and they will be confident of pushing on next season.

It was a blitz of an opening from the Auvergne in Lyon, as they powered to an early 15-0 lead. Tries from Peceli Yato and David Strettle, as well as five points from Morgan Parra’s boot, had left the Irish side with a mountain of work to do, but boy did they response. Johnny Sexton gave them hope with a penalty before the break and, after Leo Cullen’s half-time rallying call, added three more to reduce the deficit to three. Parra slotted another penalty and Camille Lopez a drop-goal to build the buffer once more, but Gary Ringrose scored a spectacular try to haul the boys in blue back into the game once more. Lopez added another penalty and drop-goal to reinstall an eight point cushion in what was turning into a frenetic game. Sexton hit back with a minute to go, but it wasn’t to be, as Clermont held on from the restart and kicked out to wild celebrations. Winning the final is non-negotiable now.

Burns inspires Gloucester against La Rochelle, Ford falls short at Stade Francais

Gloucester put in a remarkable performance – perhaps their most impressive of the season – in battling their way through to the Challenge Cup final. They inflicted a first home defeat of the season upon La Rochelle, who are currently sailing on top of the French league. It sets them up to have what could be considered a successful season, in what was previously looking like a disappointing one. Should they win this and qualify for the Champions Cup (which, given their league position, they may), things will be looking awfully rosy at Kingsholm for the first time in a while. Billy Burns was the architect behind the 16-14 result, as he kicked three penalties and ran a try in. La Rochelle were always in the hunt, but a missed conversion to their own try proved to be the difference.

The Cherry and Whites go on to meet Stade Francais, who vanquished Bath in Paris. The stage was nicely set for a West Country derby, after Bath had fought their way back into the game, but Jules Plisson nailed a late drop goal, which gave Stade a 28-25 lead. George Ford had a penalty with the last play of the game, which would have taken it to extra-time, but he missed, the final whistle blew and it will be Stade heading to Edinburgh.

Super Rugby

The Australian teams continued their bizarre habit of poor results this weekend. In fact, it was only the lesser-heralded Rebels and Force that gave them an air of respectability. The Melbourne side held Sharks 9-9 in South Africa, whilst the men from Perth only lost 16-7 to the mighty Chiefs. However, Waratahs slipped to an embarrassing home defeat to Kings 26-24 and Brumbies were hammered 56-21 by Hurricanes. Elsewhere, Lions edged Jaguares in a hard-fought encounter 24-21, whilst Bulls also ground out a 20-14 result against Cheetahs. There was also wins for Crusaders (yet again), who crushed Stormers 57-24, and Highlanders, 40-15 over Sunwolves.

Hero of the week

Whilst I was considering giving it to the French Top14 again, I think it is a clear one this week. Correct me if I am wrong, but Billy Burns was absolutely tremendous on Saturday. He scored all the points for Gloucester, who dealt French league leaders, La Rochelle, their first home defeat of the season.

Villain of the week

I’m going to have to give it to the Australian Super Rugby conference this week. There are teams with real pedigree in the competition, not to mention an abundance of high-quality player, but they are not making a dent in the competition. The only misfortune is that one of these teams are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

Try of the week

As far as solo magic goes, it doesn’t come much better than Gary Ringrose’s effort for Leinster. He stepped players, threw a dummy and scarpered over. A delight.

Discussion points

– Who will win the two finals?
– Which Lions tourists stood out?
– Can the Pro12 representatives go even better next year, or will it revert to French/English dominance?
– What is happening to the Australian Super Rugby teams?

By Joe Large