European Champions Cup final: Saracens should succumb to rampant Racing 92

“Now I feel there is a grip on the club which means the club can do something. Previously it wasn’t possible because of the standards, but we have something very good building.”

O’Gara also feels the head-to-head between Carter and Saracens fly half Owen Farrell could be key to deciding the European Cup, as the latter has kicked over 100 points.

Side with All Blacks experience, and an 11/8 price on the first scoring play being a Racing penalty is your reward. Nobody has made more tackles in this competition than Carter’s clubmate and Wales lock Luke Charteris (107), though, and if he gets them right then cheap punishment will be avoided.

Something’s got to give in the battle of the stats, and the internationally assembled Racing have such a richly mixed rugby culture that Saracens shall struggle to contain all their outlets.

Try threats galore

Thoughts turn to who will cross to put even more decisive scores on the board than penalty points and conversions. Racing scrum half Maxime Macheanaud has a knack of grabbing tries in big games and is 8/1 to go over here, while more established threats for the French side include full back Brice Dulin (5/1) and Argentina winger Juan Imhoff (10/3).

For Saracens, meanwhile, much will be expected from Alex Goode (6/1 to score anytime) and Chris Ashton, two players whose international claims have been ignored by England boss Eddie Jones.

“You look at Chris Ashton,” O’Gara added. “It’s incredible to think he is surplus to requirements at Test level.” A try here would be a timely reminder of his credentials, and Ashton is 10/3 to go over anytime.

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Coral’s top tip: Machenaud is a temptingly long 8/1 for a try anytime in this European final.