Champions Cup final LIVE: Saracens regain title with 20-10 victory over dethroned champions
Follow the latest updates from the Heineken Champions Cup final
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.Re-live the latest updates live from the Heineken Champions Cup final between Saracens and Leinster at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
Saracens became the first English side to be crowned three-time champions of Europe with an emphatic victory that leaves little doubt over who the best side in Europe is, outclassing Leinster and outscoring them after fighting back from 10 points behind.
A try from Tadhg Furlong put Leinster ahead in the first half, but the teams went in at the break level as Sean Maitland replied for Saracens on the stroke of half-time. Owen Farrell then kicked Saracens ahead before Billy Vunipola added a second try for the Premiership side. Re-live the live action below.
What time does it start?
The Champions Cup final begins at 5pm on Saturday 11 May.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 4pm, and Channel 4 from 4.30pm.
Teams
Saracens: Goode; Maitland, Lozowski, Barritt, Williams; Farrell, Spencer; Mako Vunipola, George, Lamositele; Skelton, Kruis; Itoje, Wray, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Gray, Barrington, Koch, Isiekwe, Burger, Wigglesworth, Tompkins, Strettle.
Leinster: Kearney; Larmour, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Sexton, Luke McGrath; Healy, Cronin, Furlong; Toner, Ryan; Fardy, O’Brien, Conan.
Replacements: Tracy, Jack McGrath, Bent, Ruddock, Deegan, O’Sullivan, Byrne, O’Loughlin.
Half-time: The two sides emerge from the tunnel for the final half of European rugby this season. Will it be Saracens or Leinster smiling at the end of the match? We're about to find out.
41 mins: Saracens immediately concede a penalty from the restart as Vunipola comes into the maul from the side. Play is delayed as O'Brien needs treatment, having been the man on the end of Vunipola's charge, but he'll be ok to continue for now.
43 mins: Saracens concede another penalty from the lineout as Skelton collapses the driving maul, and it's been a messy start from the 2016 and 2017 champions. Sexton kicks to touch just outside the five-metre line, and this is a big chance for the Irish side.
44 mins: Kruis pulls off a much-needed strip in the tackle to win back possession and allow Spencer to kick clear, but the scrum-half misses touch and Leinster will attack again.
45 mins: Williams thinks he's intercepted and away for the line, but Vunipola flciekd the ball as Sexton shipped it on and the knockpon is spotted by Garces, who brings play back for the scrum.
47 mins: Lowe and Sexton shows good hands and awareness to release each other with a series of back and forth passes, and it helps Leinster rattle through Saracens and progress to the five-metre line. However, Williams gets the turnover after making a crucial tackle on Ringrose, and that's a massive opportunity misses for Leinster.
51 mins: This time it's a crucial turnover penalty for Leinster as they get over the ball and force Garces to make a decision, with the referee ruling that Itoje was quilty of holding on.
54 mins: The pace has really slowed as Leinster make a couple of changes and a few scrums go to ground, causing Garces to tell the front rows to sort themselves out. Eventually we're up and running again, and after Saracens go on the attack Fardy goes for the intercept and gets it, only for Saracens then to knock the ball on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments