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Heineken Cup rugby returns to Wembley Stadium for what is already guaranteed to be the biggest UK crowd for a pool match. - 17/10/2013 10:57
Heineken Cup rugby returns to Wembley Stadium for what is already guaranteed to be the biggest UK crowd for a pool match.
An estimated 60,000 fans are expected to turn up at the iconic venue for the Pool 3 clash between Saracens and four-time champions Toulouse.
That will surpass he previous British record attendance set at the same stadium three years ago when 45,892 watched Saracens narrowly beaten by Leinster.
Then the English club had just returned to the Heineken Cup but this year they are looking to go all the way and victory over the European giants would provide a major statement of intent.
Steve Borthwick’s side are unbeaten this season after six games but were pushed all the way in Round One of the Heineken Cup by Connacht at Galway where the boot of Owen Farrell was all that divided the teams in the 23-17 win.
Toulouse picked up maximum points against Zebre last week thanks to two tries apiece for wings Maxime Medard and Yoann Huget, however history is against them this weekend.
The 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2010 continental champions may have lifted this trophy more than any other club but have never beaten Saracens, having lost both their previous meetings in the 2000/2001 campaign.
Form is also against them given they have yet to win on the road this season, following defeats to Bordeaux-Begles, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Montpellier and Perpignan in the Top 14, and have won just one of their last five away games in the Heineken Cup.
Springbok hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle, who was a replacement in the win over Zebre, could make his first Heineken Cup start since his recent arrival from the Bulls, coincidentally against a team that could field up to nine South African-born players
Match notes
Saracens’ only previous clashes with Toulouse in the Heineken Cup came in the 2000/01 pool stage when the English club won both home and away on an aggregate scoreline of 69-52.
Sarries have lost just two of their last nine home games in the Heineken Cup. Both of these defeats coming at the hands of French clubs.
Toulouse have won just one of their last five away games in this competition, a 33- 21 victory over Benetton Treviso last season.
Overall, Toulouse have faced English opposition 42 times previously, maintaining a 60% win rate (W25 D2 L15).
Owen Farrell was 100% with his placekicking against Connacht Rugby in Round 1, accumulating 13 points from five attempts.
Yann David beat seven defenders against Zebre, the most by a centre in Round 1.
Sarries won more turnovers (15) than any other club in the Heineken Cup in Round 1.
Toulouse were one of seven sides to maintain a 100% success rate at the lineout in week one, whilst Saracens were one of seven to be successful with all of their scrums.
Collectively, Toulouse registered a total of 31 defenders beaten in week one, more than any other club.
As well as not making a mistake on their own throw (11/11), Toulouse also recorded five steals against Zebre – the leading total in Round 1.
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Saracens will be targeting a maximum point haul from their Heineken Cup double-header against Zebre beginning at Stadio XXV Aprile on Saturday. - 06/12/2013 00:37
Toulouse edged a thrilling Heineken Cup clash in front of 61,000 at Wembley Stadium.
Louis Picamoles’ try 11 minutes from time was converted by Jean –Marc Doussain as the four-time champions came from behind to win.
But that was only after Owen Farrell saw a last-gasp drop goal fall agonisingly short amid a thrilling climax to this compelling Pool 3 clash.
Toulouse are now four points clear at the top of the pool while Saracens, who saw Chris Wyles cross after just eight minutes, picked up a losing bonus point despite their first loss of the season.
A British record attendance for a Heineken Cup pool game crowded inside the iconic London venue and were treated to an enthralling game.
Saracens were unbeaten at home and abroad this season but Toulouse flexed their muscles in the scrum in the opening minutes with a sign of what was to come.
However, Luke McAllister suffered an off-day with the boot and failed to capitalise on his forwards’ good work, missing three kicks in the first half.
That looked set to come back to haunt the French when Wyles sailed over in the eighth minute.
The try came as a result of some ferocious tackling that clearly rattled the former champions.
Clement Poitrenaud fumbled in midfield and the Saracens backs took full advantage as England pair David Strettle and Chris Ashton combined to send Wyles racing behind the posts. Farrell converted and Saracens led 7-0 early on.
Strettle was sinbinned on 19 minutes for a cynical infringement at the breakdown and Toulouse immediately struck back.
Christophe Tolofua was at the tail of a devastating driving lineout as the Toulouse pack rumbled over the line from distance.
Doussain converted after taking over the kicking duties from McAllister to level the scores.
However, Farrell landed two kicks before half-time for a 13-7 lead at the interval.
Guy Noves rang the changes at the break but a third penalty by Farrell took Saracens out of seven-point range of Toulouse.
Census Johnston provided a battering ram and Maxime Medard made a half-break but the Saracens defence proved equally impressive.
But the French had the edge at the set-piece and when Poitrenaud and Yoann Huget earned a scrum five metres out when they floored Alex Goode, they went for the jugular.
A huge shove by the front row put replacement No8 Picamoles on the front foot to stretch out and score with 69 minutes gone.
That set up a nail-biting climax and, after Farrell fell-short with a 55-metre penalty, the England fly-half’s late drop goal did not have the legs.
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