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History beckons for either Leinster or Racing 92, here's what you need to know
By Peter Hanson
Records can be equalled, firsts can be achieved and history beckons for Leo Cullen or Laurent Travers when Leinster face off against Racing 92 in the European Rugby Champions Cup final on Saturday.
While Leinster have a formidable record in European finals, Racing are aiming to lift the continent's greatest rugby prize for the first time, having lost their only previous appearance in the showpiece to Saracens two seasons ago.
There is plenty on the line in Bilbao and we have taken a look at the best Opta stats ahead of the eagerly awaited encounter.
LEINSTER TARGET TOULOUSE & SARACENS BENCHMARKS
Leinster are protecting a proud achievement in European Cup finals, having never lost in the showpiece game. Another win would see them equal Toulouse's record of lifting the trophy on four occasions.
The Pro14 giants are also aiming to emulate the Saracens class of 2015-16 by winning all nine of their European Champions Cup games in a single season. The Premiership side are the only club to have accomplished such a feat.
Cian Healy, Isa Nacewa, Johnny Sexton and Devin Toner can all equal the record of four European Cup winners' medals, which is jointly held by Cedric Heymans (Toulouse) and Frederic Michalak (Toulouse and Toulon).
RACING AIMING TO CONTINUE PROUD FRENCH TRADITION
Top 14 clubs are no stranger to success in continental competition and Racing can become the fourth French team to win European rugby's blue-riband tournament after Toulouse, Toulon and Brive.
Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko and Ben Tameifuna are aiming to complete a double of Champions Cup and Super Rugby, a feat that can also be accomplished by Leinster's Jamison Gibson-Park.
The fixture will also mark Carter's last in European rugby, while team-mate Wenceslas Lauret – who made a match-high 20 tackles in the semi-final win over Munster – is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky having twice lost finals, once with Biarritz in 2010 and another with Racing two years ago.
CULLEN AND TRAVERS BATTLE FOR HISTORY
Leinster coach Cullen and Racing counterpart Travers are not just fighting it out to lead their sides to glory. The victor will also become the first man to win the tournament as a both player and coach.
If Racing claim the trophy then French clubs will collectively hold the most victories by a nation on nine. They currently share that honour with England on eight, while Irish provinces have six wins.
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Latest Comments
Well said TJ. You can be proud of your AB career and your passion for the country, the AB team and Canes and Wellington has always been unquestioned. Enjoy the new chapter(s).
Go to commentsAgree with Wilson B- at best. And that is down to skilled individual players who know how to play the game - not a cohesive squad who know their roles and game plan. For those who claim that takes time to develop, the process is to keep the game plan simple at first and add layers as the squad gels and settles in to the new systems. Lack of progress against the rush D, lack of penetration and innovation in the mid-field, basic skill errors and loose forwards coming second in most big games all still evident in game 14 of the season. Hard to see significant measureable progress.
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