Farrell ready for face-off with Carter

OWEN FARRELL has tried to play down the hype surrounding his fly-half contest with Dan Carter in today’s European Champions Cup Final.

The match-up between England’s mercurial No10 and the World Cup winner is viewed by many as key to deciding who will emerge victorious between Saracens and Racing 92.

However, the 24-year-old insists that his own personal battle against Carter will not prove a deciding factor.

‘There is no doubt he is a brilliant player,’ said Farrell. ‘I am sure that any fly-half would look up to him, but it is not about a fly-half versus a fly-half, it is about two good teams playing for the trophy.

‘It’s about the collective effort from both teams and who comes out on top there.’

For Saracens, it is a second major European final in three seasons as they line up against the French giants at Grand Stade de Lyon.

When they last went for European glory two years ago, the English side were brushed aside 23-6 in Cardiff by a dominant Toulon team that had Jonny Wilkinson at its helm.

This time around, though, they aim to become the first team in history to win all nine games of a European campaign, before resuming Premiership business against play-off opponents Leicester next weekend.

‘Since two years ago, when we played in that last final, we’ve grown a lot as a team,’ added Farrell. ‘Our form throughout this season has been good and 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 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 it.

‘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.’

Farrell and his half-back partner Richard Wigglesworth are among eight survivors from Saracens’ 2014 European Final starting XV.

And Wigglesworth added: ‘We are definitely more relaxed this time around.

‘The coaches have done a good job this week in keeping it just as humorous and relaxed as we usually are, really.

‘A couple of years ago, we weren’t like that. We were a little bit tense, but there has not been that feeling in the camp this week. It has been just as enjoyable as any other week.

‘The few chances we do get, we are going to have to take and put them (Racing) under a bit of pressure.

‘Attack is the hardest part of the game to get right. It’s governed by many things — the weather, the referee, the opposition.

‘It is something we have worked hard on this year and, hopefully, it will bear fruit tomorrow.’

Saracens No8 Billy Vunipola added: ‘It has taken a lot of hard work to get here and I think it is testament to all the hard work the boys have put in, the coaches and everyone else.

‘But we are not really thinking about two years ago — that’s done and dusted. We have learnt from that, I feel, and we look forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

‘I think we just feel more ready right now. I think it is credit to the boys for having that mindset just to keep moving forward.’