Clermont Auvergne vs Saracens Champions Cup player ratings: Owen Farrell superb as Sarries win again
We run the rule over the two teams
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Saracens kept alive their hopes of the double-double after beating Clermont Auvergne 28-17 to win the European Champions Cup for the second consecutive time, becoming just the fourth side in history to achieve the feat.
Having won the Champions Cup last year in defeating Racing 92, Saracens repeated their success over French opposition by dispatching Clermont, though the Top 14 semi-finalists refused to go away without a fight as it took a 72nd minute try from Alex Goode to kill off their challenge.
Sarries took the lead when Chris Ashton got on the end of a smart kick from Goode across field into space that allowed the former England wing to collect the ball on the bounce and dive over for his 37th European try, taking him ahead of previous record holder Vincent Clerc’s haul of 26.
The lead grew when Goode broke through the Clermont defence, and despite being hauled down short, George Kruis was on hand to burrow over.
Clermont hit back though as a strong run from Aurelien Rougerie and a smart offload allowed Remi Lamerat to score, before a length of the field try was finished expertly by former England wing Nick Abendanon.
But Owen Farrell kept the scoreboard ticking over as he scored 13 points with the boot, while Goode’s try ended the contest to ensure Saracens secured the first half of their attempt to win the double for a second consecutive year.
Click on the gallery below to see our ratings from the final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments