‘There is no reason why we can’t get better’
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall yesterday hailed a dominant display from his side that ensured “we got what we deserved”. For McCall the most satisfying aspect of a win that was more emphatic than the scoreboard suggests was the manner of the victory and his side’s improvement since last year’s win over Racing 92.
“The pleasing thing was that we looked and felt like we had improved from last year,” said McCall. “We showed some great qualities; all parts of our game were strong. The age profile of the group is good and if we’re hungry enough and humble enough there’s no reason why we can’t get better.
“Anyone winning back-to-back Champions Cups must be very pleased, but for me it was the manner in which we did it, the way in which we played. It was hugely encouraging.”
He added: “Clermont gave us a very good game. I felt we were dominant for very long periods, that we dominated territory and attacked well even though we never pulled away on the scoreboard. At 18-17 it felt that we should have been more in control but our reaction to their try was outstanding. We got what we deserved at the end.”
The statistical breakdown of this game was astonishing, with Saracens finishing on 60 per cent of possession and 69 per cent of territory. Among the most impressive numbers was the revelation that man of the match Billy Vunipola led the charge with 20 carries
‘The win felt different to last year. It’s a relief. We have put down a marker’
and 72 metres, with brother Mako second with 16 carries. The No 8 consistently made ground and put in some punishing hits. With the Lions tour to New Zealand just weeks away, coach Warren Gatland would have been heartened by the performance of the two brothers.
Chris Ashton, who scored his 37th Champions Cup try in the 13th minute to become the competition’s record try-scorer, felt that Saracens should have registered a more emphatic margin of victory. “We left a good few tries out there,” the wing said. “But we didn’t let that frustrate us.”
Brad Barritt, Saracens captain, said: “We’re not too bothered about records, it ’s about getting better year in and year out.
‘ We had unbelievable respect for Clermont and everything they’ve done as a team but we stayed true to our roots and that’s what makes us tick as a Saracens team. It’s a special feeling to be part of this group. We’re looking forward to a great night.”
Scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth added: “The win felt different to last year, it ’s a relief. We could easily have lost our heads being so dominant and not scoring but we didn’t. We want to keep building but we’ve put down a marker now.”
Clermont coach Frank Azema, who accepted that his side could have no complaints about the outcome, heaped praise upon McCall’s side.
“Saracens were favourites and they showed why because they were a far, far better side,” he said. “We shouldn’t be ashamed because we were well beaten but we never gave up and showed real character. Saracens were very structured, very organised, and very disciplined. We were under constant pressure and there was nothing we could do.”
Spare a thought for Clermont though. If Saracens are making history to delight their fans, the French side have become perennial bridesmaids, and are now the first side to play in three finals and lose them all.
Full-back Scott Spedding said: “We gave it our all out there – we might have left it a bit late in the first half to start playing but we had a good fightback in the second half and we’re proud of that effort.
“We are absolutely gutted. We don’t know what we’re missing but hopefully one day it turns our way.”