Investec Champions Cup Final: Northampton Saints v Bordeaux-Begles – Key Battles

Both teams defied expectations in the semi-finals, the Saints stunning Irish giants Leinster 37-34 and Bordeaux ending French rivals Toulouse’s reign with a resounding 35-18 victory.

For the underdog Saints, it’s a return to the decider for the first time since 2011 and an opportunity to clinch their second star, while Bordeaux feature in their first-ever final.

The Saints, who have struggled in the Premiership this season, have had a dream European campaign. Underdogs from the off, they won three of their four league games, besting Castres (38-8), the Bulls (30-21) and Munster (34-32), whilst losing 45-35 away to Stade Francais to top Pool 3.

It was at Loftus Versfeld, where they beat a strong Bulls team that finished the United Rugby Championship regular season in second place, that their belief was born. It’s that belief that saw them upset mighty Leinster following their 46-24 Round of 16 win over Clermont and 51-16 quarter-final triumph over Castres.

Impressive winger Tommy Freeman, the Man of the Match in the epic win over Leinster after his hat-trick heroics, summed up the belief that’s fuelling the side in his post-match interview, saying, “We probably came in as the underdogs and that was no question. But the fight we showed, the squad we got, we knew we could do this. We know if we get our performance on the pitch, we can take anyone on. The bookies said Leinster by 30 points, but here we are!”

Captain Fraser Dingwall shed further light on their belief, saying, “I don’t think I’m surprised . In this group, there’s so much connection, so much talent. We know what we’ve got within us. We were probably written off before this game and I think we’ve proved a point to a lot of folk around how good we are.”

They are good, indeed. Their new-generation stars like Freeman, loose forward prodigy Henry Pollock and flyhalf Fin Smith have been instrumental in their success this season, driving the team with fearless exuberance and sublime skill, while former Junior Springbok captain Juarno Augustus has been a tour de force at No. 8.

Again, one only needs to look at Sam Vesty’s side’s win over Leinster to see how potent they can be as they put five tries past a team that hadn’t conceded a single point in their two previous matches against Harlequins (62-0) and the Glasgow Warriors (52). Both finalists are attack-minded teams, so the stage is set for a fan-friendly thriller at Principality Stadium.

The Saints lead the competition in defenders beaten (213), while they’re third in carries (944), tries (39), points (271) and turnovers won (61) and fourth in clean breaks (76) and metres (3620). As impressive as these numbers are and as good as the underdogs from England have been, Bordeaux have been ever better.

The French outfit qualified for the playoffs as top seeds after having claimed a maximum 20 log points from their pool wins over the Leicester Tigers (42-28), Ulster (40-19), the Exeter Chiefs (69-17) and the Sharks (66-12). Keeping their momentum going, they brushed aside Ulster (43-31) in the Round of 16 and Munster (47-29) in the last eight, before eliminating the defending champions with a statement performance.

Coach Yannick Bru, who served as assistant coach of the Sharks last season, has created a monster that is ferocious, fast, fluid and intense. Bordeaux earn the right to thrill with their powerful pack and back their extraordinary skills to rip the opposition to shreds.

As a result, they’ve become the best attacking team in Europe, leading the competition in clean breaks (102), metres (3805), tries (50) and points (342). The stats further show what a well-rounded team they are as they’re also No. 1 in turnovers (75), boast the best lineout (91%) and fourth-best scrum (98%).

They have the two form wingers in world rugby at the moment in Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a general at No. 9 in captain Maxime Lucu and a master pivot in Matthieu Jalibert.

It’s an unthinkable final that promises to produce plenty of thrills. The Leinster-slaying Saints are live underdogs, but Bordeaux are just a shade better in all areas and the more balanced side, which should see them claim the richest price in club rugby for the first time.

Prediction: Bordeaux-Begles by 10.

Suggested Bet: Northampton Saints +8 at 1.90.