European Champions Cup final: Relaxed Owen Farrell ready to make up for Saracens' 2014 final pain
Saracens can win their first European Champions Cup crown against Racing 92, two years after suffering defeat to Toulon in the 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.Saracens will hope to put the hurt of their European Champions Cup final defeat two years ago firmly behind them when they face Racing 92 on Saturday, and their fly-half Owen Farrell believes the maturity shown by the squad this season shows they are fully prepared to add the only trophy that is yet to grace the club’s trophy cabinet.
In the 2013/14 final, a Jonny Wilkinson-inspired Toulon ended Saracens’ hopes of European glory in Cardiff, and their Anglo-French rivalry will resume in the Grand Stade de Lyon, albeit with Racing providing the opposition.
Farrell is one of eight players who will run out in Lyon that tasted defeat two years ago, and he admitted a sense of excitement ahead of the match that has been helped by having the perfect preparation for the showcase match.
"Since two years ago when we played in that last final, we've grown a lot as a team," said the England fly-half.
"Our form throughout this season has been good, and not only that, our preparation leading into these big games in Europe and in the league has been spot-on.
"We are just looking to perform the best we can tomorrow, and we will see where that takes us.
"You just try to concentrate on what is in front of you. This week has been exciting for everyone who is involved. Everyone is just looking forward to tomorrow.
"It is not about what's happened for the rest of this year, or what's after tomorrow. It is about tomorrow.
"We have done our preparation now, and we've just got to relax. Take in the occasion, but just remember it is a game of rugby at the end of the day."
Saracens are bidding to become the first English winners of the European Champions Cup, with Wasps being the last Premiership side to taste success in Europe in the form of their 2007 Heineken Cup victory.
Speaking of Wasps, who were knocked out of the competition by Sarries in the semi-finals, the Coventry-based side made the major announcement on Friday that Australia utility back Kurtley Beale will join the club at the start of the 2016/17 season.
Beale, who is reported to be on a whopping £1.5m deal, has reached to 60-cap mark for Australia meaning that Wallabies head coach Michael Chieka will keep him in his selection thoughts, and the former Waratah has the option of extending his one-year deal by an additional 12 months.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: "There are very few players in world rugby who can really excite people and get spectators on the edge of their seats. Kurtley Beale is one of those rare talents."
European Champions Cup final teams
Racing 92: B Dulin; J Rokocoko, J Goosen, A Dumoulin, J Imhoff; D Carter, M Machenaud; E Ben Arous, D Szarzewski (capt), B Tameifuna, L Charteris, F van der Merwe, W Lauret, B Le Roux, C Masoe.
Replacements: V Lacombe, K Vartanov, L Ducalon, M Carizza, A Claassen, M Phillips, R Tales, H Chavancy.
Saracens: A Goode; C Ashton, D Taylor, B Barritt (capt), C Wyles; O Farrell, R Wigglesworth; M Vunipola, S Brits, P du Plessis, M Itoje, G Kruis, M Rhodes, W Fraser, B Vunipola.
Replacements: J George, R Barrington, J Figallo, J Hamilton, J Wray, B Spencer, C Hodgson, M Bosch.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland) and Leighton Hodges (Wales).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments