Ford's Sale desperate to upset Farrell's Saracens in final

LONDON : The way Northampton were brushed aside in the semi-finals was a chilling reminder of how Saracens are able to find their A game - and their A team - when they really need to and Sale will need something special to cause an upset in Saturday's Premiership final.

Saracens had top spot in the regular season tied up weeks ago and were able to rest many of their stars in the final fixtures, even giving debuts to seven academy players in their signoff 61-29 defeat by Bath.

But, with the big guns back and captain Owen Farrell in imperious form, they hammered Northampton 38-15 having effectively decided the outcome by surging 21-3 ahead after 30 minutes.

It was a reminder of what a superb all-round team they have become this season, with Farrell playing some of the most expansive and ambitious rugby of his career and any criticism of the team's "efficient but dull" approach now long outdated.

"It's been a change as a team," said prop Mako Vunipola. "We’ve had to adapt to a different way of playing but we’re not relying on one or two players making the decisions. It’s enjoyable and it's hard work, but it’s good for the backs to be getting some decent ball and it’s why you want to play."

Saracens are seeking their sixth title but first since 2019 having suffered a heartbreaking last-minute loss to Leicester last season. Still stinging from that defeat, their incredibly experienced side will seek to make amends on Saturday when fullback Alex Goode will be aiming for a sixth winners' medal.

Sale's solitary victory came in 2006 in their only appearance in the final, though they were also runners-up in 2002, the last year before the playoffs and Twickenham final were introduced.

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