After 135 Premiership matches, the stage is set for an an exciting play-off final between 2 contrasting sdes. The game kicks off at 5.50pm so we've all got time to garden, clean the car, do the ironing or whatever it takes to earn enough Brownie Points to go to the pub and watch.
Leicester won their semi final by strangling the life out of the previously free scoring Bath side who were obviously keen to impress their new owner. The Leicester game plan is based on a solid set piece with a well organised defence and, as they increasingly dominated in these areas, the talented Bath backs became increasingly ineffectual. Behind the pack, Toby Flood's trusty boot kicked Leicester to victory.
The other semi final was more of a free running spectacle of attacking rugby. Northampton were probably the better team but gave away too many penalties at crucial stages. Saracens attacked from all situations with their outstanding full back, Andy Goode outshining Northampton's Ben Foden on the day. Their "action man" hooker Schalk Brits scored the injury time try and Glen Jackson held his nerve to land the wiining conversion.
But, what of today? Brendan Venter management has transformed Saracens this season but he won't even be allowed in Twickenham today because of a 10 week ban for his behaviour at a recent League match (against Leicester!!!). His Leicester opposite number, Richard Cockerill also had to answer a charge of intemperate behaviour this week but escaped with a warning about his future conduct. This will inevitably increase Saracens' belief that they've been hard done by and might just be the incentive they need to go for glory.
Leicester's hard nosed pack will be expected to their usual efficient job in the set pieces. They'll aim to reduce Brits' running effectiveness by wearing him down in the scrums. Saracens bring England captain, Steve Borthwick back to compete with the Leicester line-out but this is a big ask after his long injury absence. The Sarries probably have the edge in the backs but, again, much will depend on how much good ball they're given to play with. We shouldn't forget that Leicester also have some real quality behind the scrum. Flood is in a rich vein of form and, incredibly, Geordan Murphy is playing in his 6th consecutive Premiership final
For me, Leicester will just win this one. It wll be a tight game and maybe not a spectacular one but it would be a deserved reward for Leicester's consistency. They finished the season at the top of the table and deserve to pick up the silverware today.
Summary
Leicester to Win By a score.
Rhys Morgan
Editor Bill Barrack
