Sarries’ Lions have proved their mettle to Gatland. Can Munster and Leinster Lions do likewise?

The lack of an Irish presence may have dampened our enthusiasm in the buildup to the Champions Cup final but, in the end, worthy finalists Saracens and Clermont Auvergne produced a captivating spectacle.

Both sides delivered a performance worthy of the decider and, in doing so, reminded us there was no shame in Munster or Leinster losing out at the penultimate stage.

Not for the first time in this tournament, Clermont were left crestfallen at the final whistle.