Key occasions
This might be an iconic day for English rugby.
With Bath lifting the Challenge Cup final night time, with Ben Spencer and Finn Russell main the way in which, a Northampton win would mark a historical double for the Premiership.
Read Rob Kitson’s file right here:
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
It’s probably the most glittering prize in membership rugby, staged at probably the most game’s nice cathedrals, contested by means of two of probably the most dynamic groups within the pageant.
You don’t all the time get what you need however now and again you do. And right here in Cardiff, the rugby gods have performed ball.
Bordeaux Bègles head into this ultimate in crimson scorching shape. They most sensible the Champions Cup throughout a variety of metrics together with issues scored, tries notched, metres made and line breaks. Worryingly – so far as their warring parties are involved – in addition they occupy first position in the case of turnovers procured, this means that the likes of Damien Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Mathiew Jalibert and Maxime Lucu can wreak havoc from damaged play.
But Northampton Saints have a couple of ballers of their very own, together with 4 British & Irish Lions recruits in Henry Pollock, Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell and Tommy Freeman. They disappointed the bookmakers by means of beating Leinster within the semis and gained’t worry their mighty French foes.
I’ll devour my hat if it is a stodgy sport of attrition. My wager is that the winner will want a minimum of 30 issues to triumph. Tries, off-loads, side-steps, mazy runs and final ditch ankle faucets; this guarantees to be one for the romantics.
In case it wasn’t transparent I’m undoubtedly humming for this. Hope you might be too. If you fancy writing in I’d love to listen to from you. Even higher in the event you’re writing in from Cardiff the place issues will kick off at 2:45 BST.