English side Saracens reached their first ever European Cup rugby final with a record 46-6 victory over last year’s finalists Clermont at Twickenham on Saturday.
Saracens, who were beaten at Twickenham by Toulon in last year’s semi-final, ran in six tries with England wing Chris Ashton scoring two of them to break the record for tries in a European Cup season with 11.
They will face either holders Toulon or two-time champions Munster who play their semi-final in Marseille on Sunday.
Ashton, whose form dropped off so much he lost his place in the England starting line-up earlier this season, said that he didn’t mind who they played.
“We have been underdogs all season and we like that status,” he said.
“We hadn’t beaten many French sides in the competition but we were really up for this game.
“We are making progress each year in this competition, quarter-final two years ago (they were beaten by Clermont) the semis last year and now the final.”
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Roar Guru
I'm generally a big Nigel Owens fan but the Brock James yellow was a huge mistake. To assume that the ball was deliberately knocked over the dead ball line was a stretch but to also believe that a try would have been scored if not for this infringement (penalty try awarded) was a terrible decision. Saracens were fantastic but I don't think Clermont would have been beaten so easily but for some big ref decisions. The Fernandez Lobbe yellow was an even worse decision by Barnes. Was it his fault that Connor Murray was going for the ball at the same time he was? It seems that referees are becoming a little too eager to reach for the pocket and hopefully for the final this isn't the case.
Nobrain
Guest
I think that Saracens played an execellent game dispite some early misscalls from Owens. Nbr 2 and Nbr 7 for Saris were incredidible. These two made an exelente demostration that they are great rugby players in any postion they play, I want them in my team even if they are not the best in their position, I am sure I will find them a place in the team. Another thing to watch is the way Saracens players play in small spaces and they get the most of it, and their defence puts some much pressure that Clermont could not come up with a decent ball in the entire game. It should be intresting the final because the other finalist seams very unconfortable scoring tries and depends so much in Wilkinsons foot. If Saracens gives up to many penalties they will suffer. I am looking foward for this one.
DECLAN MURPHY
Roar Guru
Saracens have been very lucky with calls by the referee going their way, both in the quarter-final against Ulster (red card) and yesterday's penalty try. Still, doesn't take away from Saracens amazing performance in the match against Clermont! Although Clermont were favourites going into the match, Saracens completely ran roughshod over them, scoring the biggest winning margin in Heineken Cup semi-final history. Should be a great final between Saracens and Toulon! Great battle between Owen Farrell and Jonny Wilkinson to look forward to!