So, Saracens or Tigers?

This is my first article/topic/whatever they call it here

I just thought I'd try to get a debate going on who people think will take home the Premiership trophy this year.

Tigers have proven their mettle in countless big games, they certainly have the ability to up their game on final day. This year we have seen them move away from the tough, uncompromising forwards-based game of yesteryear to a more open style, based around mobile forwards like Tom Croft, powerful backs in the two Tuilagis, and the soft hands of the front row (see Chuter and Ayerza combine for Alesana's try in the semi :P) that has seen them top the try-scoring table this season... I think, don't quote me on that. This could perhaps be a result of Ben Youngs' entry into the side in his first season as first choice, as the team adapts around their 9-10 axis. Unfortunately, brilliant attack has come at the expense of our previously awesome defence, which has become worryingly porous, shipping 30 points at home to Exeter at the start of the season, and more recently failing to beat Glos despite scoring 41. Tigers' main weakness at the moment is I feel in the second row, where injuries to Parling and Deacon have left them a little bare, relying on more inexperienced players in Mafi, Skivington and Slater. Missing the junior Tuilagi for the final , Tigers nevertheless have plenty of big names in a side capable of great things on its day.

Saracens have become almost the spiritual successors to previous Tigers teams. Their success has been built on iron discipline and brutal defence that has seen them concede fewer tries than anyone, while winning the most games, only missing out on top spot because they win relatively few try bonus points. I'll admit my knowledge of Saracens is much more limited in terms of players and specific results (where's beshocked when you need him) so I'm relying on Saracens fans to comment with a more fully-fleshed argument for their side's chances. The team seems to be filled with key players, presenting a truly formidable challenge to Tigers' title aspirations.

To conclude, as a Tigers fan (in case you hadn't worked it out) I'm worried this year. I predict Saracens to win, thought not by much, as Tiger's attack is blunted by the best defence in the league, and Goode and Farrell slot their kicks to grind out the victory much as they did at Welford Road. And this time we don't even have Manu to repeat his try-scoring heroics of that game. Obviously Tiger's are capable of winning it, and obviously I hope they do, but I reckon this could be Saracens' year - it was so close last year, and Saracens have only improved.

So guys, thoughts?

Saracens to avenge last seasons defeat in the final

My head says Tigers but my heart is saying Saracens.

I'm the opposite head says saracens heart says tigers.

Based on the last 10 games of regular season - Saracens by a mile.

Based on the semis - Tigers by 5.

If Tigers can keep their discipline and keep the penalty count down - like they did against Saints - they've got enough to do it. Hipkiss coming in for Manu won't hurt too much. I agree the second row is a worry but, again, they've got just enough to get by.

Incidentally, can any Sarries fans confirm whether Burger got cited for the late hit (on the Glaws full-back), I think?

Tigers to take a another thriller very close in my opinion.

I think this one is far too close to call.

If Saracens back row gets on top and deny Tigers quick ball, then the will win.

If Tigers target Farrell and force him to make mistakes then they will win.