25 May 2014

Toulon too good for Saracens and retain Heineken Cup

6:42 am on 25 May 2014

Tries to Matt Giteau and Juan Smith and a faultless kicking display by Jonny Wilkinson in the penultimate game of his career gave Toulon a 23-6 victory over English club Saracens as the French side become just the third team to successfully defend the Heineken Cup.

Former Australia centre Giteau scored after 29 minutes to give Toulon a 10-3 halftime lead before former Springbok flanker Smith settled the match on the hour.

Wilkinson, who turns 35 tomorrow, converted both tries from the touchline and landed two penalties and a brilliant drop-goal.

Toulon, who follow Leicester in (2001/02) and Leinster (2011/12) by winning back-to-back Heineken Cups, can complete a rare double next week when they play Castres in the French Top 14 final.

Saracens, appearing in the final for the first time and hoping to become the first English winners since Wasps in 2007, made little impact, with just two Owen Farrell penalties to their name, but they too have another chance of silverware when they play Northampton in the English Premiership final next Sunday.