Sarries see Giteau as dangerman in star-studded Toulon side

SARACENS coach Mark McCall has told his side they must contain Australia’s Matt Giteau if they are to beat Toulon in today’s Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.

The build-up to the match has been dominated by the imminent retirement of Toulon flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, with the England great – 35 tomorrow – set to bow out from all rugby following next weekend’s French Top 14 final against Castres.

Saracens, in their first European Cup final, are also eyeing a “double” ahead of their English Premiership final with Northampton

Wilkinson’s remorseless goal-kicking was responsible for all of reigning European champions Toulon’s points in their 24-12 semi-final win over Saracens last season.

But McCall has been impressed too by the 31-yearold centre Giteau, who won the last of his 92 Wallaby caps three years ago.

“He (Giteau) a very special player, because he’s got not only a fantastic passing game, he kicks the ball well, he’s stronger and quicker than most people think. And he’s at his most dangerous when he’s at the line with a winger on his inside, and you can’t take your eye off him for a second, he’s a superb player,” said McCall.

Giteau, for his part, would just like to help one- time rival Wilkinson go out on a high.

“Jonny is the ultimate professional,” said Giteau, a member of the Australia side beaten by Wilkinson’s boot in the 2007 World Cup quarter-finals in Marseille and a temporary replacement when the England star’s extratime drop- goal downed the Wallabies in a thrilling Sydney final four years earlier.

“It is incredibly important for us to have him sign off with a trophy. He was instrumental in helping me settle in Toulon when I joined three years ago. It has been a pleasure to be in the same team.”

It has not always been so for those opposing Wilkinson, as McCall knows only too well.

“Jonny kicked 24 points last year, one was a drop-goal and the rest were penalties,” said McCall. “Six of those penalties we gave away when we were in possession of the ball.

“There’s a lesson for us in that, it’s very important when you play Jonny Wilkinson and Toulon how you approach the game, and where you play.”

And he added Saracens Heineken Cup

final Toulon

v Saracens 5.50pm on SS6 needed to keep in mind the approach of referee Alain Rolland, for whom today’s match will be the last before the Irishman hangs up his whistle.

“Alain Rolland gives penalties quickly against the ball carrier, so you you’ve got to be accurate when you go into contact”, McCall explained.

“There’s this common view out there of how to beat Toulon, just to move their big men around and play with tempo, and everyone who has done that has come up short.

“So you’ve got to have other plans and find ways of stressing them, taking away their energy and moving their big men around in a different kind of way.”

Toulon, bankrolled by wealthy publisher Mourad Boudjellal, boast a star-studded team with Bryan Habana joining Wilkinson and Giteau in the backs, while up front they boast formidable locks in Springbok Bakkies Botha and All Black Ali Williams.

In some ways their side is reminiscent of the one Saracens, still backed by millionaire businessman Nigel Wray, fielded in the early days of professional rugby union when South Africa’s Francois Pienaar, Australia’s Michael Lynagh and France’s Philippe Sella all played for the north London club. – Sapa-AFP