Superb Saracens claim third Champions Cup crown

Saracens are European champions for the third time after they came from behind to defeat Leinster 20-10 at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday.

In a stunning encounter, which was incredibly physical, the Irish province went into the break ahead through Tadhg Furlong’s try and Johnny Sexton’s penalty.

Sarries responded, however, levelling the encounter at the break as Sean Maitland went over and Owen Farrell kicked a penalty, before they took command in the second period.

Farrell added another three-pointer and the much-maligned Billy Vunipola, who was consistently booed by the Leinster fans for his support of Israel Folau, crossed the whitewash.

That proved to be enough as Sarries moved just one behind the Irishmen, who remain on four European titles.

Both teams brought the expected physicality. It was a brutal opening first period with the intensity at Test-match level, but it was the Irishmen that were the more composed.

Leo Cullen’s men took advantage of early Sarries ill-discipline as they were caught offside from a lineout and Sexton kicked them in front.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deserved winners, Saracens. #ChampionsCup #LEIvSAR pic.twitter.com/EIScq1FHpz

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 11, 2019

They then proceeded to withstand a wave of attacks from the Londoners, who were dangerous with ball in hand. Liam Williams, Ben Spencer and Alex Lozowski were all creating half-gaps, but Leinster’s rearguard remained resilient and wrestled back control.

The Dubliners went through the phases and, although the English outfit regularly forced them into reverse, an opportunity eventually presented itself.

Saracens were caught short on the right and brilliant Rob Kearney footwork took him to within inches of the line. Under pressure, Mark McCall’s side infringed, leading to a yellow card for Maro Itoje.

That passage of play also saw the departure of props Mako Vunipola and Titi Lamositele to injury and that disruption helped Leinster cross for the first try.

They went for the scrum and, despite not getting over from the initial shove, Furlong eventually touched down from close range.

With Sexton adding the extras, 10-0 appeared a healthy lead, but Leinster proceeded to make a series of poor errors. Firstly, they conceded a penalty by overplaying in their half, which Farrell converted, before Cullen’s charges decided to not kick the ball out for half-time.

They then infringed at the next ruck and that enabled Sarries to launch one final attack. The English champions controlled play superbly, but it took a lovely piece of skill from their fly-half to send Maitland over and level matters at the interval.

Saracens looked to take that momentum into the second period but were far too enthusiastic and were penalised twice in quick succession, allowing Leinster to get on the front foot. Cian Healy almost barrelled his way across the whitewash but, to the Englishmen’s credit, they held out and managed to clear their lines.

That effort reinvigorated McCall’s charges and they surged towards the Leinster line. The Londoners were relentless and almost touched down, only to be stopped short by some last-ditch defence.

It resulted in a penalty and yellow card for Scott Fardy, however, which Farrell kicked, to give Sarries the lead for the first time in the match.

Although Leinster attempted to hit back, the 2016 and ’17 winners were on top and set up a position five metres out. Replacement props Richard Barrington and Vincent Koch provided a stable platform and Vunipola charged over to complete an outstanding victory and claim a thoroughly deserved title.

The scorers:

For Leinster:
Try: Furlong
Con: Sexton
Pen: Sexton
Yellow Card: Fardy

For Saracens:
Tries: Maitland, B Vunipola
Cons: Farrell 2
Pens: Farrell 2
Yellow Card: Itoje

Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Seán O’Brien, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 James Ryan, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Seán Cronin, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements: 16 James Tracy, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Rhys Ruddock, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Hugh O’Sullivan, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Rory O’Loughlin

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 Liam Williams, 13 Alex Lozowski, 12 Brad Barritt (c), 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Jackson Wray, 6 Maro Itoje, 5 George Kruis, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola
Replacements: 16 Joe Gray, 17 Richard Barrington, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Nick Tompkins, 23 David Strettle

Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gaüzère (France)
TMO: Philippe Bonhoure (France)