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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

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Toulon centre Matt Giteau is seen as the danger man by Saracens. Photos: AFP

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.

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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
Mark McCall

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.

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"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.

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