Saturday 23 April 2016 16:00, UK
A Champions Cup final place is the prize on offer when Saracens face Wasps in Saturday's all-English semi-final, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
So far this season it's honours even between the two Premiership sides. Saracens beat Wasps 26-16 at the Ricoh Arena in December thanks to a 21-point haul from fly-half Owen Farrell, but Wasps claimed revenge when they went to Allianz Park and smashed their hosts 64-23 in an eight-try mauling that saw Jimmy Gopperth contribute 23 points.
Gopperth is in superb form after converting Charles Piutau's 80th-minute try for a thrilling 25-24 win over Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup quarter-final earlier in the month, while Farrell slotted five penalties and two conversions to guide Saracens to a 29-20 win over Saints in their quarter-final.
The two fly-halves face off for the third time this season and their battle will be key in deciding the outcome, but it won't be the only one. We take a look at five head-to-heads as the two Premiership giants clash live on Sky Sports...
Owen Farrell v Jimmy Gopperth
High-level performances are now the expected watermark for Farrell. The Saracens fly-half has been string-puller and goal-kicker supreme for the Premiership leaders this season - and from the tee for England - playing with the kind of confidence that has made him a consistent match-winner.
But Gopperth has reasons to be confident too, after hitting that late winning touchline conversion to defeat Exeter in the quarter-finals. He described that kick as one of the highlights of his career but if he's to add to that story then it's vital the New Zealander comes out the right side of this battle with the sure-footed Farrell.
Gopperth won't be fazed by the challenge; he'll be focused only on how to release Wasps' dangerous outside backs. But Farrell's polished style could prove the difference.
Maro Itoje v Joe Launchbury
It's only a few weeks ago that Itoje was being tipped as an emerging international star. Now, after less than a handful of performances for England he already feels firmly established.
It's an intriguing duel that pits his athleticism, growing form and enthusiasm against the experienced Launchbury.
Saracens look to have the edge come lineout time, especially with their set piece anchored against another England lock, George Kruis. But it's the damage Itoje is capable of doing on the opposition throw that will be of most concern to Wasps.
Alex Goode v Charles Piutau
Goode has been sensational this season and for many he's the form full-back in England. But if that's the case then Piutau is only a whisker behind.
As Wasps showed against Exeter, they will attack from everywhere and Piutau has the strength and fleet-of-foot to beat the last defender, and the first defender too, for that matter.
Goode's attacking style has been slightly more graceful but it's been no less devastating.
Billy Vunipola v Nathan Hughes
The two wrecking-ball No 8s will be in direct competition for a starting spot with England come the autumn internationals, with Fiji-born Hughes qualifying on residency grounds in June.
Both players have been key performers in their respective clubs' quests for a domestic and European double. They have scored two tries apiece in the Champions Cup and are the primary gain-line carriers for their sides, Hughes making 303 metres from 83 carries and Vunipola gaining 207m from 73 carriers.
Hughes has beaten 20 defenders in his six European appearances, two more than Vunipola, and the 24-year-old's offload ability will keep opposition defences on their toes.
The battle of the breakdown could well decide which of these players have the greater influence. Deliver quick ruck ball in the right areas of the pitch, and this duo will thrive.
Chris Ashton v Christian Wade
One has registered six tries in a single outing. The other, five tries since returning from suspension.
This is a fascintaing battle pitting two in-form finishers against each other, and there's an added dimension too with both keen to catch the interest of Eddie Jones ahead of England's summer internationals.
Ashton relishes the big occasion and has become accustomed to delivering on those occasions too. Wade has his eye in after that six-try performance however, and both look certain to be involved heavily.
In a straight head-to-head, Ashton's experience could well prove a determining factor.
Watch Saracens v Wasps live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2.55pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass
