Champions Cup Final

[fivepointer]

I'm unable to pick a winner. The sides look as evenly matched as its possible to be, both are in top form, both have talent to burn in their ranks and both have impeccable European credentials. Anyone bold enough to suggest who will come out on top?

Leinster: R Kearney; Larmour, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; Sexton (capt), McGrath; Healy, Cronin, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, Fardy, O'Brien, Conan.

Replacements: Tracy, J McGrath, Bent, Ruddock, Deegan, O'Sullivan, R Byrne, O'Loughlin.

Saracens: Goode; Williams, Lozowski, Barritt (c), Maitland; Farrell, Spencer; M Vunipola, George, Lamositele, Skelton, Kruis, Itoje, Wray, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Gray, Barrington, Koch, Isiekwe, Burger, Wigglesworth, Tompkins, Strettle.

[Numbers]

Saracens by 10.

[Banquo]

Reckon it depends on how fit Barritt and Mako are, how Itoje shapes up at 6, and if Spencer can continue his progress in big matches. I'd have Leinster as slight favourites.

[Puja]

I dislike Itoje at 6 intensely, but there's no denying that Skelton's earned his starting spot of late. It'd be madness if Australia ignore him for the RWC in my opinion.

Agreed with Banquo that a lot hangs on Spencer, both in terms of Saracens' chances and his future England career - this is an audition for the England 9 shirt, right here.

Puja

[Scrumhead]

Yep. Totally agree on all of that.

Both lineups are almost at full strength too so it will either be a cracking game or they’ll cancel each other out. It has equal potential for either IMO.

Saracens by 5-10.

[twitchy]

I completely forgot this was on this weekend.

[Oakboy]

It's hard to say that either side has the edge in any area. I'd back Saracens back three under the high ball but will that count for much? Maybe, Saracens will be meaner over 80 minutes in terms of mistakes/discipline. Leinster are the more dangerous in open play.

Saracens to sneak it.

[Mikey Brown]

It’s really strange to think Joe Gray is potentially going to be winning/playing in a European final.

[morepork]

Farrell is not captain? Is there any chance he would be sweating on his England spot on recent form?

[Mellsblue]

Farrell is not captain? Is there any chance he would be sweating on his England spot on recent form?

Form is temporary. Test match animalism is permanent.

[Banquo]

Farrell is not captain? Is there any chance he would be sweating on his England spot on recent form?

Farrell is never skipper when Barritt plays for sarries. But no, sadly.

[Spiffy]

So - who niggles up first, Farrell or Sexton? Late hits to be the order of the day.

[twitchy]

I think it's going to be pens and drop goals for the first 60 then a roll of the dice by both sides at the end. To close to call either way.

[Mellsblue]

Great 10 mins. Carrying on from where the French left off yesterday.

[Mellsblue]

The Champ Cup final seems a strange time to start penalising illegal clear outs at the ruck.

[Mellsblue]

Garces loves a yellow in a big game.

[switchskier]

When that break was brought to a stop I said that it had to be yellow as it was so cynical. Not the reason but perhaps justice done.

[Adam_P]

Great shot from Kruis on Sexton

[Mellsblue]

Great shot from Kruis on Sexton

He’s been superb this season.

[Mellsblue]

Kudos to Farrell. Those hands for the pass were superb.

[Mellsblue]

Liam Williams!!!!!!

[Mellsblue]

Section should be off for HIA.

[Mellsblue]

Nothing wrong with that.

[padprop]

These leinster boys go down like footballers

[Mellsblue]

Billy!!!