Aviva Premiership Final: The key men

“Their current form and two wins over the Tigers this season suggests the value lies with Sarries.”

Rugby writer and Sarries expert Simon Franklin provides the lowdown on the key men who he believes could determine thefate of the Aviva Premiership…

The Men in Black come into the game on a 12-match winning run, which included a victory at Welford Road two months ago, but they still start the match as 13-8 outsiders. Their current form and two wins over the Tigers this season suggests the value lies with Sarries [2.66].

One of their key men will be fly-half Owen Farrell. The son of rugby league legend Andy has been the surprise package this season. It will be his first appearance at Twickenham but the 19-year-old’s maturity and exceptional kicking game won’t let him down. He should be nailed on as Sarries’ top points scorer in a team which doesn’t score many tries.

Ernst Joubert scored twice in their defeat to the Tigers last year and also claimed a try in their season opener against London Irish at Twickenham so he clearly loves playing at the stadium. At decent odds, he could be worth a bet to score during the final.

Schalk Brits is their eye-catching hooker with the ability of a world class back. The crowd pleaser also scored against the Exiles at Twickenham and will be keen to guide Sarries to their first major trophy for 13 years. Brits is a potential man-of-the-match this weekend.

The Tigers [1.65] won’t give up their title easily and Ben Youngs is crucial to their chances. The England scrum half, who has the most assists in the league, has the talent to dominate the match. He scored a try in a virtuoso display last year and the occasion should help him return to his best form. He looks likely to rival Brits for the man-of-the-match. Alesana Tuilagi is this year’s top Premiership scorer with 13 tries and he can add to that tally this weekend. Sarries have conceded the fewest points this season but the giant winger is unstoppable on his day and will surely cross the whitewash on Saturday.

England fly-half Toby Flood is another proven match winner for the champions. His form has been patchy recently but he will be keen to impress as the build up to the World Cup continues. His experience will be an asset and he is set to battle with Farrell for top points scorer in the final.

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July 2, 2011 • Tags: Key Men, Men • Posted in: Betting Posts

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