Power was key as Saracens claimed European crown
SARACENS’ stunning Champions Cup win over Leinster had many different qualities which you would expect from a side that is packed with 10 English internationals.
Their credentials speak for themselves winning the European showpiece three times in the last four years.
This feeds the belief that whatever is thrown at them they will overcome.
They adapt quickly from the different situations thrown at them like the Mario Itoje yellow card, injuries to props, and a slow start in the game.
Let’s not forget who they were playing the mighty Irish side Leinster who are also packed with internationals.
Lesser sides would have crumbled but not these Londoners who must now be ranked as the best side in the rugby professional era.
Yes, they have their issues with scrutiny over their player wage bill, and how they meet the salary cap.
Billy Vunipola got stick from the Irish supporters over his recent controversial social media comments.
All this does for a special side is galvanise them further, they like to stick two fingers up to the rest of the top rugby clubs in Europe, with a ‘whatever you throw at us we will overcome’ attitude.
In the modern era rugby commentators and the like say the skill has gone out of the game, there is too much kicking, and too much concentration on defence.
Watching many games, you could say this is the case.
But there is one thing you do need in today’s game and that is power.
Saracens’ power was there for all to see.
When the decided they would just turn on the power to the maximum the Irishmen could not cope, it was evident in defence and in attack especially when Billy Vunipola scored his try brushing off defenders or carrying them over the try line as he scored.
The try may not be for the purists, but it was a crucial score at a vital time in the game.