5 key battles ahead of the Champions Cup final

Debaty v Hayman

In what is expected to be a closely fought game, the scrum will have a huge bearing on who will lift the Champions Cup. Damien Debaty will be hoping to spoil Hayman’s big day, in what will be the former All Blacks final European game. Hayman wouldn’t have been particularly happy with his performance against Leinster in the semi’s and will know he will need to perform a lot better on Saturday if he if he going to secure a third successive European title. As for Debaty he won’t be phased by the occasion and will look to win his side vital penalties from the scrum.

Cudmore v Botha

Two beasts go head to head at Twickenham, as the big Canadian Jamie Cudmore goes up against the mighty Bakkies Botha. Both players will look to do what they do best and put their body on the line and put in tackle after tackle. The lineouts are going to be vitally important as well with both players looking to dominate in the air. Like Hayman this will be Botha’s final European game and he will look to finish his Toulon career in style. Cudmore though, has waited a long time for a European Cup and will look to give him a disappointing send-off.

Bonnaire v Steffon Armitage

Steffon Armitage continues to be one of Toulon’s most important players and will come up against the experienced Julien Bonnaire on Saturday. Armitage’s influence at the breakdown is one of vital importance for Toulon. The former London Irish man has won 21 turnovers in the competition which is more than any other player. Bonnaire will have his work cut out and will need to be at the breakdown before Armitage or his side are in for a frustrating day.

James v Michalak

The battle between the two 10’s is probably the most important head to head. After hitting some fine form James will most likely start ahead of Camille Lopez and will go up against the inconsistent Michalak. The question is which Michalak will turn up. There will be a lot more pressure on James who will look to win his side the game from the tee, while Michalak will look to play his usual expansive game or risk being subbed off early in the game like he did against Leinster

Abendanon v Halfpenny

When it was announced Abendanon was signing for Clermont Auvergne from Bath ,there wasn’t too much excitement from Clermont fans. How things have changed. He has had an outstanding tournament and has made the most metres and beaten the most defenders and has been one of Clermont’s best players this season. He comes against another full back lacking in height but not in talent. Halfpenny was impressive at dealing with Leinster’s kicking game and he is the kicking king right now. From the tee he is arguably the best in the world and has a kicking percentage of 87.8%. If Clermont are going to win the game their discipline needs to be at his best or Halfpenny will punish them with the Welsh International able to split the posts from just about anywhere.