Champions Cup Final Preview

The 2024/25 European Rugby Champions Cup reaches a climax on Saturday as Northampton Saints and Union Bordeaux clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Neither side were fancied to make it to two the final in the Welsh capital but Northampton managed to stun Leinster in Dublin, while Bordeaux defeated last season’s European champions Toulouse.

With two sides brimming with attacking talent, including France internationals and British & Irish Lions-bound stars, expect a scintillating final at the Principality this weekend.

Kick-off is at 14:45 UK time, with the match to be covered on Premier Sports 1 and on BBC iPlayer.

Tip 1: Northampton Saints +3 handicap first half @ 10/11 with bet365

Northampton’s success in this competition this season has been largely down to the tremendous starts they have made to matches.

Warned in the build-up how the Leinster pack was going to dominate at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, it was Northampton who dominated the first-half and scored 27 points before the break.

Phil Dowson won’t deviate from the game plan that has served his side so well, having scored 20 points in the first half of the quarter-finals against Castres and 27 points in the first 40 minutes against Clermont.

With Saints looking to come out of the traps quickly, there’s value to be had siding with Northampton and a +3 first-half handicap in this one.

Tip 2: Northampton Saints to win @ 11/5 with bet365

On the basis of Saints being tipped to be leading at the break, Northampton have the ability to keep Bordeaux at bay to claim a famous victory in Cardiff this weekend.

The win in Dublin looked to be a real landmark result for a Saints side who have become a real force in recent years.

Winning the Gallagher Premiership title last season, Northampton have made another push for European glory and they have the players to get them over the line.

Lions-bound half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith will play key roles in the game management and making sure Northampton are playing in the right areas of the field against a dangerous Bordeaux side.

With rising star Henry Pollock in their ranks, the back-rower has the potential to produce moments of magic which could be key in seeing Saints over the line and taking the trophy back to the East Midlands this weekend.

Tip 3: Tommy Freeman anytime tryscorer @ SP with bet365

Another Lions-bound Saints star can make headlines on Saturday, with Tommy Freeman tipped to score the game’s opening try.

The England winger has enjoyed a standout season for club and country and bagged the opening try of the game against Leinster in the semi-finals.

Also scoring the first try of the quarter-finals against Castres, powerful runner Freeman has been making a habit of going over early in matches and he can continue the trend for what is the biggest game of them all on Saturday.