SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the past weekend's European Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup finals, both of which involved South African players.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL
– Saracens were crowned champions after inside centre Brad Barritt led the English club to a stunning 21-9 victory over Racing 92. Featuring alongside the captain was hooker Schalk Brits, tighthead prop Petrus du Plessis and flank Michael Rhodes. Outside centre Johan Goosen starred for Racing in a losing cause, with three penalties, including one from inside his own half. Lock Francois van der Merwe and flank Bernard le Roux were also in Racing's starting lineup, while No 8 Antonie Claassen was on the bench for the runners-up.
EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP FINAL
– Demetri Catrakilis slotted four penalties and two conversions as Montpellier beat Harlequins 26-19 to claim their first-ever European title. Jacques du Plessis and Paul Willemse were the starting locks, Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis scrummed down in the front row, Pierre Spies was at eighthman and Frans Steyn had a big influence at inside centre. Robert Ebersohn was given a 12-minute cameo off the bench at outside centre. Flank Wiaan Liebenberg, who has performed well for Montpellier all season, was unfortunately ruled out through injury, but joined the team on the podium to receive his winner's medal.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
