Clermont v Saracens: Who will win the Champions Cup?
Dan Carter is part of Sky's live coverage of the European Champions Cup final. Watch Clermont Auvergne v Saracens live on Sky Sports 3 from 4pm on Saturday.
Saturday 13 May 2017 16:28, UK
Dan Carter, Scott Quinnell, Will Greenwood, and Rory Lawson give their views on who will triumph in Edinburgh.
SCOTT QUINNELL
This is going to be a cracking game. Clermont really have some unfinished business in the Champions Cup and will be desperate to give Aurélien Rougerie one heck of a retirement gift.
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They are a fantastic side with a great attack, From an England point of view Nick Abendanon and David Strettle have been in great form for Clermont and playing with big smiles. The Fritz Lee and Billy Vunipola battle is going to be massive. Lee been outstanding and looks in good shape.
The Sarries defence is incredible and they love to counter attack as well. Their attack of the first phase ball is better than most as well.
They have a forward pack that really dominates with big runners punching holes into the defence - they also have some incredible backs and winger Chris Ashton always steps up for the big occasions.
I suspect that Saracens will have a bit too much for them and I think they will win 22-15.
DAN CARTER
Saracens have shown what they are capable of over the last few years and Clermont are really going to have to get up if they want to beat a quality Saracens side.
They are such a well-drilled unit - I am speaking from experience after playing in the final with them last year.
In dry conditions, Clermont are a team who like to use the ball. If they can string a few phases together, be patient, then they may have a chance, but if I had to pick it now it would be Sarries.
WILL GREENWOOD
The key to Clermont is that they are lightning fast - they can go and score seven, 14,21 points very quickly. They took the game away from Leinster in that semi-final and were 15-0 up in a blink of an eye, so, Saracens will need to be right on it from the start.
I think Clermont will be super confident that they can come and win this game, what you can't legislate for is when the clock gets to 60-65 min and then the mindset of both sides comes into play
Clermont against Leinster looked out on their feet and started to do things individually - that is not to say what they did was not wonderful - but the second you go out on your own makes you very vulnerable.
Saracens will keep on doing the little things right all of the time - that is what they do and they understand that is what gets them over the line.
Saracens' self-belief is extraordinary and the longer the game is in the balance, the more they become favourites to win this.
STUART BARNES
To beat Saracens, Clermont will need to start as they did against Leinster in the semi-final and keep going at that pace. Nigel Owens - who referees again - said it was by far the fastest-paced club game he has refereed this season. If their retention stands up to the scrutiny of the Saracens pressure, even the English club will be stretched. I think - this is my ultimate hostage to fortune line of the season - Clermont have it in them not to choke.
Camille Lopez has been brilliant in the clutch moments of both the quarter and semi-final. It could be close but even so, I still find it hard to see anything but a Saracens victory in what could be an outstanding final.
DEWI MORRIS
I expect Clermont to play a more attacking game and to really challenge the Saracens defence. Against Leinster, they kicked out of hands 19 times - compared to Saracens 34 times against Munster in their semi-final.
Fritz Lee will be crucial for Clermont to get them on the front foot and they will look to attack from there. Against Leinster, he carried 17 times, averaged 3 metres and made 13 tackles. He will be up against Billy Vunipola, who made 16 carries for an average of 5m and made 14 tackles against Munster. These guys are real hod carriers and their battle will be immense.
I would love Clermont to do it - they have played some of the best rugby that I have been covering in the Top 14 but that does not matter and I think the pragmatism of Saracens will come through - you don't have to love the way they play but you have to admire the way they get the job done.
You are only remembered if you go and win the titles and Clermont have faltered so many times at the last hurdle.There always seems to be a steely resolve about them but that seems to go when the pressure comes on in those winner-takes all games.
If there is one side who can put them under intense pressure, it is Saracens. I think we may see a couple of tries but Sarries will nick in 23-18.
RORY LAWSON
Saracens have been there and done it all before but don't underestimate the significance of them going for the double-double. Their fundamental game is so robust - rock solid set-piece and a kicking game that has them playing in the right areas paired with a defence that is the best in Europe - so aggressive and stubborn.
Most impressively this season Saracens have evolved their attacking shape - multiple layers, dangerous runners in the front line and pace out the back to expose the smallest weakness.
For Clermont to have any chance they need to get out of the blocks, generate a lead and take it into the final quarter but I think Saracens will be too good on Saturday.
I think Sarries will win by eight points.
