So
what would I like to see in the perfect Aviva Premiership Final?
I
want to see metres made at speeds of shooting stars – terrific tackles that
would sink the Titanic – off-loads oozing with outrageous opportunities – rip
roaring running rugby razoring up the pitch – precise penalties piercing the
skyline betwixt the posts and glorious groundings over the gain line - executed
with the grace of a galloping gazelle or grist of a grizzly gorilla – I don’t
mind which.
Too
much to hope for?
Well,
with not one try from Sarries in the Heineken Cup Final, you may think I am
going to be disappointed.
But
this is the English Aviva Premiership Final and these two top- placed teams are
not only a sum of all their parts, but a sum of the parts of the other ten
teams in the Premiership that they have grown with and learnt from this season
as well, wittingly or unwittingly.
So
Saints and Sarries, let’s see a smattering of their skills and qualities on
Saturday too.
Whether
it be the perseverance of the worthy Worcester Warriors, turning out week after
week with their fantastic fans, putting in their best performance,
wholeheartedly committing to the fray, playing as if their lives depended on
the win.
Then
there are Sale Sharks, masters of the surprise, able to keep everyone guessing
what they might pull out of the bag each match, and if you conceded penalties,
well there was always Danny Cipriani to turn the opportunity into a diamond.
As
for Leicester Tigers – not a team to be tamed. Their phenomenal physicality, brute strength, dogged
determination, killer instinct and a defence like Colditz were always factors
that required not only in-situ game plan adaptations but ingenuity, spontaneity
and intelligence.
Now
let’s look at Newcastle Falcons – speed, determination, enough trickery and
power to prove a promising opponent and if they got opportunities to close, caused
problems.
But
what about gutsy Gloucester? When they
tore away, it was magic – but when the ganderflanking got going, well I think
the Cherry and Whites managed to confuse their opponents maybe more than other
teams!!
So
what about Wasps? Never a team to be
underestimated. Capable of causing havoc
if they found a chink in their opponents’ armour. When they found their stride they were buzzing
– rocketing runs – tremendous tries and some weeks they stung more than others.
Bring
on Bath - the solid, dependable, top West Country team. Nearly always in control and capable of
phases of brilliance, stupendous surprises and a tangible threat, right into
the dying seconds of a match.
Then
there are Exeter Chiefs – pure grit, perseverance and digging in deep in
defence won them the LV Cup. Commendable
and immeasurable attributes.
Let’s
look at London Irish who themselves are looking at new beginnings. A shock result in the latter stages of the
regular season may not have been such a shock for Irish, taking on Saracens
defence for a win of 13-22. Teams know
what they are capable of and if they find the opportunity, they will grab it
and show you. Ask the Exiles!
And
last but definitely not least - how about Harlequins? Well how about them!!
With
envious teamwork - the patience of saints – fantastic phases of play -
devilish, darting footwork – confidence and belief – the speed of greased
lightning and the ability to break wide and make it happen. There are definitely skills to ‘magpie’ from
this team.
On
Saturday we will witness the culmination of our amazing Aviva Premiership and
all 12 teams can be proud of their contribution to the final.
Take
some leaves from your rival’s books Saints and Sarries, mix it up and give us
some real action.
Pilou!! Pilou!!
Let’s see the
warriors come down from the mountain!!