Pinning down Matt Giteau pivotal to European Cup glory: Saracens boss
Coach Mark McCall believes key to conquering mighty Toulon will be ensuring talented Australian is not allowed free rein
Saracens coach Mark McCall has told his side they must contain Australia's Matt Giteau if they are to beat Toulon in Saturday's European Cup final in Cardiff.
The build-up to the match has been dominated by the imminent retirement of Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, with the England great - 35 on Sunday - set to bow out from all rugby following next weekend's French Top 14 final against Castres.
Saracens, in their first European Cup final, also eye a double ahead of their English Premiership final with Northampton.
He’s at his most dangerous when he’s at the line with a winger on his inside, and you can’t take your eye off him for a second
Wilkinson's remorseless goal-kicking was responsible for all of reigning European champions Toulon's points in their 24-12 semi-final win over Saracens last season.
But McCall has been impressed too by the 31-year-old centre Giteau, who won the last of his 92 Wallaby caps three years ago.
"He [Giteau] is a very special player because he's got not only a fantastic passing game, he kicks the ball well, he's stronger and quicker than most people think," said McCall.
"And he's at his most dangerous when he's at the line with a winger on his inside, and you can't take your eye off him for a second. He's a superb player."
Giteau, for his part, would just like to help one-time rival Wilkinson go out on a high.