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'Saracens' attack can kill... but we've scored most tries in the pools the last three years, scored most tries in PRO14'

Owen Farrell and Saracens (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Stuart Lancaster is backing Leinster’s attacking power to potentially prove decisive in Saturday’s Champions Cup showdown versus Saracens in Newcastle.

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Leinster enter the decider having taken the European title last May from the London club who had been double champions in 2016 and 2017. They now aim to mirror the English team’s achievement by delivering a double of their own and successfully follow up their title win over Racing 12 months ago.

“In attack, Saracens have really improved the quality of their starter plays,” said Lancaster to Irish media in the run-up to the St James’ Park decider.

“They have got the ability to play a power game, and with two ball players – at least two, but two very, very good players like Owen Farrell and Alex Goode – they can kill you in the unstructured part of the game as well.

“So you can see by the way they played how well coached and well organised they are. You’ve got to be good at everything, we’ve got to be able to defend their threats. Obviously the aerial threat, but equally we have to impose a Leinster game on to their defence as well.

“You talk about the quality of Saracens; we have scored the most tries in the pools over the last three years, we have scored the most tries in the PRO14. You know, we’d back our attack as well. It’s the two best teams in the final. We’re a good attacking team, they’re a good attacking team.

“It’s the biggest game of the season without a doubt, by a country mile. It’s the Champions Cup final and it’s the two best teams in the final. Saracens have won all their pool games, two great quarter-final, semi-final wins.

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“I remember we did the same last year, and it came down to 78 minutes 30 seconds when we took the lead in the final, so what happens prior to the final, it’s not irrelevant, but it’s what happens on the day that will ultimately decide it.”

WATCH: The RugbyPass documentary on the 2018 PRO14 final won by Leinster

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Hellhound 44 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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