Well, well, what is there to say! Lots actually. What a cracker of a game this was and the second GREAT final in two weeks. You always wonder how the final will turn out, as it could fizzle away to a boring game, not this time!
There was an early scare for the Tigers as scrum half Ben Youngs got carded after 5 minutes. Leicester were however not punished for being a man down as after 15 minutes the scores were tied at three all. I thought having Neil de Kock start ahead of Richard Wigglesworth at 9 for Saracens was a great move. The benefit of that was watching the 19 year old Owen Farrell dominate at flyhalf against Toby Flood. In fairness he did miss a few kicks but as I said in my PreJudgement of this fixture, he is the best thing to come out of English Rugby since Jonny Wilkinson.
James Short opened the try scoring in the 29th minute and broke the 6-6 deadlock. Both teams went into half time with Sarries 16-9 ahead. I am sure that stern words were exchanged in both changing rooms and one felt that early points in the second half were needed. Owen Farrell obliged and slotted a penalty in the 42nd minute. Penalties seemed to be more forthcoming for the Tigers as the game went on. Saracens always seemed in control , Leicester however, were always in the hunt and never stopped threatening. Who wanted it more?
What followed is something I have never witnessed and will forever live in my memory as a story of inches. Leicester needed a try to win and were running out of time. Six minutes remained and they trailed by 4, where do they go and what do they do? The answer was simple. Keep it tight and wear the opposition down with phase after phase of rucks and malls. what the didn't bank on was Saracens never say die and fight until the final whistle attitude. The Tigers put together 33 continuous phases in the Saracens 22 in the quest for the winning try. It was the best discipline I have seen from any team. Attacking discipline and belief from Leicester vs the defensive discipline from Saracens. It all ended with Saracens turning the ball over and kicking it into touch after 87 minutes, 7 minutes after the game should have ended. What a performance.
A very well deserved win for Saracens and it couldn't have come against better opposition. Leicester deserved to be there and the history between the two teams goes back a few years. Saracens are also the only team ever to beat Leicester 3 times in one year.
The loose trio of Saracens were great and Ernst Joubert, Jacques Burger and Kelly Brown were great. Up front Matt Stevens did a great job again and I would be shocked if he doesn't join the English Squad sometime soon. My man of the Match undoubtedly has to be Schalk Brits. What a machine and what a good sportsman. He runs awesome lines and runs so hard, takes the big hits gets up and does it again.
Saracens winning this epic final 22-18
Congratulations to Saracens 2011 AVIVA Premiership Champions
