2007 Heineken Cup final

Rugby Union match April 2021 April 2021 2007 Heineken Cup Final Twickenham Stadium aerial view 2014.jpg The match took place at Twickenham Stadium. 2006–07 Heineken Cup Leicester Tigers ENG 30px 9 London Wasps ENG 30px 25 20 May 2007 Twickenham Stadium London Fraser Waters (London Wasps) Alan Lewis (Ireland) 81,076 2006 2008 The 2007 Heineken Cup Final was a rugby union match played at Twickenham Stadium in London, England, on 20 May 2007 to determine the winners of the 2006–07 Heineken Cup, European rugby's premier club competition. It was contested by English clubs Leicester Tigers and London Wasps. It was the 12th Heineken Cup final overall, and the third to be contested by two teams from the same nation, after the finals of 2003 and 2005, both of which were all-French affairs. It was Leicester's fourth appearance in the final, following a defeat in 1997 and back-to-back victories in 2001 and 2002. Wasps were competing in their second final, three years after their last appearance in 2004, also at Twickenham, which was hosting the final for the third time after 2000 and 2004. Each club needed to progress through the group stage and two knockout rounds to reach the final, playing eight matches in total. Wasps and Tigers each won their respective groups to qualify for the quarter-finals. Wasps advanced to the final after defeating Irish side Leinster in the quarter-finals and fellow English club Northampton Saints in the semi-final. Tigers made the final after wins over French side Stade Français in the quarter-finals and the Llanelli Scarlets Welsh regional side in their semi-final. Alan Lewis was the referee for the match, which was played in front of a crowd of 81,076 – a world record for a club rugby union match – and broadcast worldwide in more than 100 countries. The first score of the match came from Wasps' Alex King, who kicked a penalty in the 4th minute, but Andy Goode equalised for Tigers with another penalty three minutes later. Wasps went back in front thanks to a try from scrum-half Eoin Reddan in the 13th minute, only for King to miss the conversion. Tigers reduced the deficit to two points with a quarter of an hour gone, when Goode scored his second penalty following an infringement by Fraser Waters on Lewis Moody, but Raphaël Ibañez extended Wasps' lead with their second try in the 34th minute, only for King to again miss the conversion. A third penalty for Goode two minutes from half-time meant Wasps led 13–9 at the interval. In the second half, three penalties and a drop goal from King, unanswered by Leicester, ensured Wasps won the game 25–9 and their second Heineken Cup. Background The Heineken Cup, European rugby's premier club competition,5 July 2006 Agen secure South African trio https://www.epcrugby.com/2006/07/05/agen-secure-south-african-trio/ live 9 October 2021 European Professional Club Rugby 9 October 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211009150412/https://www.epcrugby.com/2006/07/05/agen-secure-south-african-trio/ was established by the Five Nations Committee in 1995 to provide a new level of professional cross-border rugby competition. Clubs from the Premiership Rugby, Pro14, Super 10 and the Top 14 leagues qualified for the competition based on their performance in their respective national leagues.European Cup http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/page/88039.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20200414132828/http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/page/88039.html 14 April 2020 7 June 2020 ESPNscrum The 2007 final was the last match of the 2006–07 Heineken Cup and the 12th final of the Heineken Cup.10 May 2007 Heineken Cup Final – Did you know? http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story/70047.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061215/https://a.espncdn.com/redesign/0.492.6/js/espncricinfo-critical.js 29 April 2021 ESPNscrum 7 April 2021 It was the first time in the competition's 12-year history that two English clubs would play each other in the final.Aylwin Mike 20 May 2007 OTV: Sunday 20 May: Pick of the Day: Rugbys Titans Ready to Rumble: Rugby Union: Heineken Cup Final – Leicester V Wasps Sky Sports 2 & HD, 2pm 2 The Observer https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163686174/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=6766111e live subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061207/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163686174&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=6766111e 29 April 2021 Gale Academic OneFile 9 April 2021 This was London Wasps' second Heineken Cup final and their first since beating Toulouse 27–20 in the 2004 final. Leicester Tigers had conversely appeared in three previous finals, the most recent being the 2002 final when they defeated Munster 15–9. The two sides had met each other in the competition twice before in December 2004. Leicester Tigers had won each of their two meetings in the 2004–05 Heineken Cup pool stage.20 May 2007 Wasps Crowned Heineken Cup Champions in Front of World Record Crowd http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/12_6932.php dead European Professional Club Rugby 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20070708034901/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/12_6932.php 8 July 20071 May 2007 Wasps crowned Heineken champions in front of World record crowd https://www.epcrugby.com/report/wasps-crowned-heineken-champions-in-front-of-world-record-crowd/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061158/https://www.epcrugby.com/report/wasps-crowned-heineken-champions-in-front-of-world-record-crowd/ 29 April 2021 European Rugby Champions Cup 27 April 2021 Tigers won the two fixtures between the two clubs in the 2006–07 Premiership Rugby 19–13 at Adams Park in November 2006 and 40–26 at Welford Road Stadium in April 2007.Gallagher Premiership Rugby Fixtures https://www.premiershiprugby.com/gallagher-premiership-rugby/fixtures-results/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210416095220/https://www.premiershiprugby.com/gallagher-premiership-rugby/fixtures-results/ 16 April 2021 Premiership Rugby 7 April 2021 It was the Tigers' third cup final of the season; they had won the 2006–07 EDF Energy Cup and the 2006–07 Premiership Rugby. This meant that the club were aiming to achieve the first treble in English rugby union history.Jackson Andy 18 May 2007 Preview: London Wasps v Leicester Tigers http://www.rugbyworld.com/Story/0,18830,3822_2134328,00.html dead Rugby World 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20071106034701/http://www.rugbyworld.com/Story/0,18830,3822_2134328,00.html 6 November 2007 Route to the final 2006–07 Heineken Cup The 2006–07 Heineken Cup featured 24 teams from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy who were assigned into six groups of four each. Teams were awarded four points for a win, two for a draw and bonuses were given to clubs scoring four of more tries or losing by seven or fewer points. The winners of each of the six groups as well as the two highest-placed runners-up qualified for the quarter-finals. The four quarter-final winners made the semi-finals which decided the two teams who would face each other in the final.Heineken Cup – Key Tournament Rules http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/31_264.php European Rugby Cup 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20070117104322/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/31_264.php 17 January 2007 dead London Wasps Wasps were assigned to the first pool along with Benetton Treviso, Castres and Perpignan.Blackmore Ben Heineken Cup 2006/07 Preview http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=417455&CPID=254&clid=1880&lid=4146&title=Heineken+Cup+2006/07+preview Sky Sports 17 October 2006 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20061018124920/http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=417455&CPID=254&clid=1880&lid=4146&title=Heineken+Cup+2006%2F07+preview 18 October 2006 dead Wasps won their first match 19–16 at home at Adams Park on 21 October 2006,Wasps 19–13 Castres https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/london_wasps/6064040.stm BBC Sport 22 October 2006 7 April 2021 9 November 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061109125759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/london_wasps/6064040.stm live but were defeated 19–12 by Perpignan in their first away fixture of the pool at Stade Aimé Giral a week later.Hands David Wasps turned over by Perpignan https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/wasps-turned-over-by-perpignan-kgsv6kk208r The Times 30 October 2006 7 April 2021 subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061203/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wasps-turned-over-by-perpignan-kgsv6kk208r live The club's third pool match saw them whitewash Treviso 55–0 in poor weather at Adams Park on 10 December 2006 with a Heineken Cup club-record nine tries and five conversions.Llewellyn David Wasps 55 Benetton Treviso 0: Waldouck the wonderkid has Wasps buzzing https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/wasps-55-benetton-treviso-0-waldouck-the-wonderkid-has-wasps-buzzing-428016.html The Independent 11 December 2006 7 April 2021 3 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141003062403/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/wasps-55-benetton-treviso-0-waldouck-the-wonderkid-has-wasps-buzzing-428016.html live The result gave Wasps enough points to usurp Castres atop the pool table.Averis Mike Waldouck prompts Wasps to swarm Treviso try-line https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/dec/11/rugbyunion.heinekencup2006072 The Guardian 11 December 2006 7 April 2021 28 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140928223245/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/dec/11/rugbyunion.heinekencup2006072 live The return fixture at Stadio Comunale di Monigo six days later saw Wasps defeat Treviso 71–5 with a club-record eleven tries and eight conversions to go one point atop the pool table ahead of Perpignan.Roberts Dave Treviso 5 Wasps 71: Sackey leads record romp https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/italy/treviso-5-wasps-71-sackey-leads-record-romp-zhn7cbnmw8g The Times 17 December 2006 7 April 2021 subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061233/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/treviso-5-wasps-71-sackey-leads-record-romp-zhn7cbnmw8g live Wasps' fifth pool game saw the club beating Perpignan 22–14 at Adams Park and needing to win their final match to qualify for the knockout stages.Butler Eddie Waldouck shuts lid on muscly visitors https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jan/14/rugbyunion.heinekencup2006071 The Observer 14 January 2007 7 April 2021 29 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140929071918/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jan/14/rugbyunion.heinekencup2006071 live They were able to reach the quarter-finals in their final pool game with a 16–13 victory over Castres at Stade Pierre-Antoine one week later.London Wasps Break Hearts in Castres http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/12_6138.php European Rugby Clubs 20 January 2007 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20070503205256/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/12_6138.php 3 May 2007 dead In the quarter-finals, Wasps were drawn to play Leinster and the match was played at Adams Park on 31 March 2007. Wasps made but ultimately withdrew a request to host the match at a larger ground so they could receive more gate receipts.Wasps opt to stay at home for euro quarter-final https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15395629/wasps-opt-stay-home-euro-quarter-final ESPNscrum Press Association 31 January 2007 7 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061152/https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15395629/wasps-opt-stay-home-euro-quarter-final live Two Alex King penalties and one conversion and Eoin Reddan's try gave Wasps the lead. Chris Whitaker's try and Felipe Contepomi's try and conversion for Leinster made it 13–10 to Wasps at half-time. Second-half tries from James Haskell, Daniel Cipriani and Reddan as well as a penalty and conversion from King ensured Wasps won the match 35–13 to make the semi-finals.Thorney Gerry Grim as Leinster lose scrap and plot https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/grim-as-leinster-lose-scrap-and-plot-1.1199999 The Irish Times 2 April 2007 7 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061235/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/grim-as-leinster-lose-scrap-and-plot-1.1199999 live In the semi-final, played at Ricoh Arena on 22 April 2007, Wasps faced fellow Premiership Rugby side Northampton Saints. A try, conversion and two penalties all scored by Bruce Reihana put Saints 13–0 ahead before Wasps won the match 30–13 and progression to the final with scoring by Paul Sackey, Haskell, Mark van Gisbergen and Josh Lewsey.Austin Simon Northampton v Wasps https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6577065.stm BBC Sport 22 April 2007 8 April 2021 7 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070907080024/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6577065.stm live Leicester Tigers Leicester Tigers were drawn into the fourth pool along with Munster, Cardiff Blues and Bourgoin. Tigers lost their first match of the pool 19–21 to Munster at home at Welford Road Stadium on 22 October, ending the side's 26-match unbeaten record at home.Howard rues narrow Tigers defeat https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15393497/howard-rues-narrow-tigers-defeat ESPNscrum 22 October 2006 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061212/https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15393497/howard-rues-narrow-tigers-defeat live The team won their following match 21–17 away to Cardiff Blues at Millennium Stadium a week later.Hewett Chris Cardiff Blues 17 Leicester 21: Deacon and Tigers go back to old tricks https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/cardiff-blues-17-leicester-21-deacon-and-tigers-go-back-to-old-tricks-422229.html The Independent 30 October 2006 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061226/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/cardiff-blues-17-leicester-21-deacon-and-tigers-go-back-to-old-tricks-422229.html live Tigers' third pool game, held on 8 December 2006 at Stade Pierre Rajon in heavy rain forcing a pitch inspection, was against the yet-to-win Bourgoin. They led Bourgoin 28–3 at half time with three tries and penalties as well as two conversions. Although Bourgoin scored 10 points in the second half, Tigers won 28–13 and claimed their second victory in succession at an away venue.Bourgoin 13–28 Leicester https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/6210920.stm BBC Sport 8 December 2006 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061208/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v51.js liveCorry delighted with Tigers' victory https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15394577/corry-delighted-tigers-victory ESPNscrum 9 December 2006 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061207/https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15394577/corry-delighted-tigers-victory live The return fixture at Welford Road eight days later saw Tigers defeat Bourgoin 57–3 with eight tries, seven conversions and one penalty.Stephens Paul Leicester 57 Bourgoin 3: Moody tries just the trick for weary Tigers https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/leicester-57-bourgoin-3-moody-tries-just-the-trick-for-weary-tigers-428997.html The Independent 18 December 2006 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061226/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/leicester-57-bourgoin-3-moody-tries-just-the-trick-for-weary-tigers-428997.html live Tigers' second match against Cardiff Blues, this time at Welford Road on 13 January 2007, saw the side score six tries and two Ian Humphreys conversions in a 34–0 victory to set up a final match decider with Munster at Thomond Park the following week.Leicester 34–0 Blues https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/6241551.stm BBC Sport 13 January 2007 8 April 2021 27 January 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070127152903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/6241551.stm live Tigers beat Munster 13–6 to end Munster's 26-match unbeaten home record in the Heineken Cup and qualify for the quarter-finals.Thomond Park record falls at the last https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-30294333.html Irish Examiner 20 January 2007 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061214/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-30294333.html live In the quarter-finals, Tigers played Stade Français at home on 1 April 2007. Tigers took the lead inside three minutes when Seru Rabeni scored a try. Penalties from Stade's David Skrela and a Juan Martín Hernández try tied the match 11–11 at half-time. In the second half, Skrela scored a penalty from 35 m yd to put Stade in the lead equalled by Andy Goode for Tigers seven minutes later. Skrela's subsequent penalty and drop kick from 40 m yd put Stade 20–14 ahead. On 72 minutes, Tom Varndell scored a try under the goal post that was converted by Goode for Tigers to win 21–20 and make the semi-finals.Leicester 21–20 Stade Francais https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6502565.stm BBC Sport 1 April 2007 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061233/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v51.js liveTigers snatch nailbiting victory https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2310151/Tigers-snatch-nailbiting-victory.html The Sunday Telegraph 1 April 2007 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061227/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2310151/Tigers-snatch-nailbiting-victory.html live In the semi-final held at Walkers Stadium on 21 April 2007, Tigers played Llanelli Scarlets. Tigers took a 16–10 lead before half-time through points all accumulated by Goode. In the second half, a Matthew Rees try converted by Stephen Jones gave Scarlets a 17–16 advantage. Tries by Shane Jennings and Louis Deacon that were each converted by Goode betwixt a Goode penalty saw Tigers win 33–17 and qualify for the final.Leicester 33–17 Llanelli https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2007/0421/216944-leicester/ RTÉ Sport 21 April 2007 8 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429061233/https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2007/0421/216944-leicester/ live Match Pre-match thumb|left|upright|alt=Shawn Edwards at an rugby union celebration event looking to the right of the camera|Shaun Edwards, a coach of London Wasps In April 2006, European Rugby Cup (ERC), the organisers of the Heineken Cup, awarded the right to host the 2007 final to Twickenham Stadium in South West London.Twickenham named as 2007 Heineken Cup Final venue http://www.scrum.com/heineken/05_06/news/news_detail.asp?newsid=35569 Scrum 25 April 2006 7 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20060510064456/http://www.scrum.com/heineken/05_06/news/news_detail.asp?newsid=35569 10 May 2006 dead It was the third time the stadium had hosted the Heineken Cup final. Twickenham had previously staged the 2000 Heineken Cup Final between Northampton Saints and Munster, which Northampton won 9–8, and the 2004 Heineken Cup Final.Twickenham gets nod for 2007 Heineken Cup final https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/twickenham-gets-nod-2007-heineken-2345632 WalesOnline 26 April 2006 7 April 2021 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130553/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/twickenham-gets-nod-2007-heineken-2345632 live The referee for the match was Alan Lewis, representing the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). It would be the first time the 42-year-old Lewis would officiate a Heineken Cup final although he had refereed the European Challenge Cup finals of 2002 and 2005.Lewis To Referee Heineken Cup Final https://www.irishrugby.ie/2007/04/30/lewis-to-referee-heineken-cup-final/ Irish Rugby Football Union 30 April 2007 7 April 2021 5 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191205002906/https://www.irishrugby.ie/2007/04/30/lewis-to-referee-heineken-cup-final/ live Lewis' assistants were Alain Rolland, and Simon McDowell, also representing the IRFU. The fourth official was Peter Fitzgibbon, also from the IRFU. The IRFU's David McHugh was the television match official. Douglas Hunter and Richard McGhee of the Scotland Rugby Union (SRU) were the citing and match commissioners.This is the big one – Corry https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15397580/this-big-one-corry ESPNscrum 14 May 2007 7 April 2021 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130555/https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15397580/this-big-one-corry live Both clubs sold out their 9,500 ticket allocation distributed to their supporters. A total of 56,000 tickets were sold to the general public and 7,000 were allocated to ERC's European rugby stakeholders.Wasps sold out for Heineken Cup final https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/08/wasps-sold-out-for-heineken-cup-final/ European Professional Club Rugby 8 May 2007 9 April 2021 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130551/https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/08/wasps-sold-out-for-heineken-cup-final/ live The match was broadcast worldwide in more than 100 countries.Global Heineken Cup final coverage https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/14/global-heineken-cup-final-coverage/ European Professional Club Rugby 14 May 2007 9 April 2021 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130550/https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/14/global-heineken-cup-final-coverage/ live This was the last match for both coach Pat Howard and centre Daryl Gibson at Tigers, who were replaced by Marcelo Loffreda and Aaron Mauger respectively.Hewett Chris Corry close to prolonging life at Leicester https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163453476/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=60e168c8 The Independent 17 May 2007 9 April 2021 Gale General OneFile subscription 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130549/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163453476&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=60e168c8 live Shaun Edwards, a Wasps coach, called the match "the biggest game ever between Wasps and Leicester and the biggest club rugby match ever in the world since the sport began 100 years ago" and that his team did not need internal motivation "because it's Wasps versus Leicester."Edwards eyes 'biggest club game' https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6660595.stm BBC Sport 16 May 2007 9 April 2021 29 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070929141531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6660595.stm live He added: "If we allow ourselves to be bullied, we'll get what we deserve. If we can't handle Tuilagi or Seru Rabeni then we're in trouble."Cleary Mick The force is with Leicester https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2313638/The-force-is-with-Leicester.html The Daily Telegraph 19 May 2007 9 April 2021 9 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210409225904/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2313638/The-force-is-with-Leicester.html live Paul Sackey, a winger for Wasps, said before the match that his team would be inspired by their 2006–07 Premiership Rugby final day defeat to Tigers and felt they could equal their physical strength: "Talking Leicester up is half a bonus for us because we're the underdogs. We're really disappointed we haven't got any silverware yet this year and that motivates us even more."Hodgetts Rob Sackey talks up Wasps Cup chances https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6659171.stm BBC Sport 16 May 2007 9 April 2021 13 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070913142714/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6659171.stm live Tigers captain Martin Corry did not wish to make a comparison with his team's Premiership win to potential events at Twickenham, saying: "We will enjoy the victory and enjoy lifting the trophy, but we will make sure that come Monday we're all focusing completely on Wasps."Standley James Corry wary of Wasps Treble threat https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/english/6652221.stm BBC Sport 14 May 2007 9 April 2021 5 October 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071005032307/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6652221.stm live Tigers were considered favourites to win the final by bookmakers.Woods Graham Rugby Union: Wasps have the grit to make Tigers work hard for hat-trick; Heineken Cup Final https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163619378/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=621f4517 Racing Post 20 May 2007 9 April 2021 106 Gale OneFile: News subscription 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130600/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163619378&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=621f4517 live Wasps fly-half King had recovered from a knee and hamstring injury sustained on the final day of the Premiership Rugby season three weeks earlier to be selected amongst the club's starting lineup.Being compared with Scholes is fit for a King https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163603368/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=5f3ecb3d London Evening Standard 18 May 2007 9 April 2021 Gale in Context: Biography subscription 11 December 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211211130552/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163603368&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=5f3ecb3d liveCleary Mick King aiming to reign in Europe https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-daily-telegraph-sport/20070518/281818574400944 The Daily Telegraph 18 May 2007 9 April 2021 S20 PressReader Gibson was returned to the centre position, replacing Ollie Smith. Phil Vickery was due to move to loose head prop since no replacement was found for the injured Tim Payne, but instead played at tight head to accommodate the inclusion of Tom French, who replaced Peter Bracken in the front row.Henderson Charlie Heineken Cup final: Leicester 9–25 Wasps https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6672307.stm BBC Sport 20 May 2007 9 April 2021 9 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211109220900/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6672307.stm live Josh Lewsey played in centre in place of Dominic Waldouck, who was put onto the substitutes bench.Kitson Robert Rugby union: Heineken Cup final: Captains on collision course as Leicester seek historic treble before record crowd: Corry and Wasps' Dallaglio admit to being obscenely competitive. Robert Kitson savours a battle of Titans https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163600989/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=0dd5e58e The Guardian 19 May 2007 9 April 2021 10 Gale General OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062134/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163600989&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=0dd5e58e live Tigers registered no scrum half covers for the fixture.Barnes Stuart Clash of the titans; Heineken European Cup Final https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163629930/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=84649ab3 The Sunday Times 18 20 May 2007 9 April 2021 Gale Academic OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062131/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163629930&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=84649ab3 live They were without scrum half Harry Ellis who, during the 2006–07 Premiership Rugby semi-final, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee, requiring reconstructive surgery.Llewellyn David Ashton despair as injury rules Ellis out of World Cup https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163362720/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=099cf7cd The Independent 15 May 2007 8 April 2021 Gale General OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062117/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163362720&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=099cf7cd liveInjured Ellis will miss World Cup https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6655033.stm BBC Sport 14 May 2007 9 April 2021 12 September 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070912000334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6655033.stm live Ian Humphreys was named to the substitutes bench in place of Ben Youngs, who was ineligible to play in European matches.Hands David English game enjoys new spring in its step with grand finale; European Heineken Cup final https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163612007/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=49f9e7b6 The Times 19 May 2007 9 April 2021 96 Gale Academic OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062131/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163612007&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=49f9e7b6 live The club were without Martín Castrogiovanni who was sidelined with a sprained right knee.Hewett Chris Tigers in sights of Wasps' big game hunters https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163814174/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=0bbed85e The Independent 19 May 2007 9 April 2021 Gale General OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062134/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163814174&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=0bbed85e liveItaly's Castrogiovanni out of Six Nations https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/397774 Taiwan News Associated Press 28 February 2007 9 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062124/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/397774 live First half thumb|right|upright|alt=Alex King walking with a plastic water bottle in his right hand during a training session for a rugby match|Alex King scored four penalties and one drop kick for Wasps Goode commenced the match in hot weather at 14:30 British Summer Time (UTC+01:00) on 20 May 2007,Ferrie Kevin Leicester Tigers 9 – 25 London Wasps https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12776961.leicester-tigers-9-25-london-wasps/ The Herald 21 May 2007 10 April 2021 10 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210410110845/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12776961.leicester-tigers-9-25-london-wasps/ live in front of a crowd of 81,076 spectators,Stephens Danny Wasps' sting bursts Tigers' bubble http://www.rugbyworld.com/Story/0,18830,3822_2138639,00.html Rugby World 20 May 2007 10 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20071106040240/http://www.rugbyworld.com/Story/0,18830,3822_2138639,00.html 6 November 2007 dead a world record crowd for a rugby union club fixture.The current record of 99,124 was set at the final of the 2015–16 Top 14 season.Rugby Union – Record 99,000 fans at Nou Camp for Top 14 final https://news.yahoo.com/rugby-union-record-99-000-fans-nou-camp-202502682.html Yahoo! Sports Agence France-Presse 24 June 2016 27 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062136/https://news.yahoo.com/rugby-union-record-99-000-fans-nou-camp-202502682.html liveKitson Robert Wasps exploit brain and brawn to win a classic and be worthy European kings https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/21/rugbyunion.heinekencup200607 The Guardian 21 May 2007 10 April 2021 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062156/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/may/21/rugbyunion.heinekencup200607 live After eight seconds, Tigers were awarded a turnover after Wasps' Lewsey fouled Frank Murphy. Wasps earned two penalties in quick succession due to infringements by Tigers. For each, King elected to attempt a kick at goal, and was successful in his second attempt slightly to the left of the goal from 22 m yd on four minutes. The match was temporarily interrupted on five minutes when King needed treating following an attempted incorrect tackle on Lewis Moody. After seven minutes, Tigers earned a penalty kick after Lawrence Dallaglio was adjudged to have been on the incorrect side of the tackle area. Goode kicked the ball between the goal posts to equalise at 3–3. A third penalty was awarded to Wasps when Tigers were deemed to have come on the side. King's wide shot from the left struck the left upright of the goalpost. On 13 minutes,Cleary Mick Bristling Wasps halt Leicester treble https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2313794/Bristling-Wasps-halt-Leicester-treble.html The Sunday Telegraph 20 May 2007 10 April 2021 subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062124/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2313794/Bristling-Wasps-halt-Leicester-treble.html live Raphaël Ibañez looked at his choice for a short-range line-out,Wasps clinch Heineken Cup glory https://tv5.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15406309/wasps-clinch-heineken-cup-glory ESPN Press Association 20 May 2007 10 April 2021 10 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210410110845/https://tv5.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15406309/wasps-clinch-heineken-cup-glory live and Reddan collected his underarm pass from a short distance.Hands David Wasps taste sweet success at expense of Leicester's treble crown; Heineken Cup final https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163664167/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=1b1039cf The Times 70 21 May 2007 10 April 2021 Gale Academic OneFile subscription 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062132/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163664167&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=1b1039cf live Reddan ran 20 m yd unchallenged to the left-hand corner and scored a try to make it 8–3 to Wasps. King's attempt to convert the try went across the posts. Two minutes later, Fraser Waters blocked Moody as the former tried to protect Joe Worsley at the kick-off in front of the referee and the goal posts. The result earned Tigers a penalty kick, which was scored by Goode for his second of the match to make it 8–6. Wasps received another penalty after 18 minutes when Corry was reprimanded by Lewis for not moving away from the ball. King's penalty kick was a weak effort from 45 m yd, giving him his third miss of the day. Play was stopped on 27 minutes due to a dispute between Vickery and Corry which was found to have been started by the former. Tigers earned a penalty in a five-metre scrum but Goode's kick went straight down the field. Ibañez passed low to Simon Shaw, who was near the five-metre line. Shaw returned the ball to Ibañez, who ran to the corner unchallenged and scored Wasps' second try to double their lead to 13–6 on 34 minutes. King was again unable to convert the try when the ball hit the goalposts at his fourth shot at goal. Four minutes later, Tigers earned a penalty kick when Tom Palmer committed an infraction at a ruck. Goode scored to complete a penalty hat-trick. No further points were scored and the first half ended with Wasps leading 13–9. Second half Neither side made changes to their lineup during the interval. Two minutes into the second half, Wasps increased their lead through a King penalty kick going between the posts from 30 m yd. This came after Alesana Tuilagi was observed holding the ball longer than allowed during a tackle. Another penalty was awarded on 44 minutes this time to Tigers but Goode's shot went wide. In the 48th minute, Sackey was gang-tackled by three Tigers players and needed treatment. Lewis observed Tuilagi committing a second infringement when the latter was offside in a ruck and the referee awarded Wasps a penalty in the 49th minute. King kicked to the right of the goal from 35 m yd and scored his third penalty of the match to extend Wasps' lead to 19–9. On 50 minutes, Smith came on for Gibson in the centre at Tigers. Dallaglio picked up a left knee injury and was replaced by James Haskell a minute later. After 54 minutes, Vickery gathered the ball and allowed Tom Voyce to get a position that allowed King to make a drop kick from in front of the goal posts and increase Wasps' lead by three more points. Wasps replaced Shaw with Daniel Leo in the 55th minute. Tuilagi went to fly-half and threw a high pass over Geordan Murphy's head before Dan Hipkiss broke through the Wasps defense and passed the ball to Smith, who then gave it to Corry. In the 62nd minute, Tigers brought Ian Humphreys on for Goode. In the 68th minute, Hipkiss passed to Tuilagi, who ran to within 10 m yd on the left before he was tackled by Ciprani who was then supported by other Wasps players. The subsequent defensive scrum saw Haskell run 70 m yd up the field before Humphreys tackled him 5 m yd from the line. Tigers flankers were observed to be offside at the ruck, earning Wasps a penalty kick. King, kicking from the right, successfully scored his fourth penalty in the 73rd minute. In the concluding seven minutes, Tigers substituted four players and Wasps made five personnel issues but no further points were scored. Lewis blew the final whistle, with Wasps winning the match 25–9 and their second Heineken Cup. Details 20 May 2007 14:30 BST Leicester Tigers ENG 9–25 ENG London Wasps Goode (3) 7', 15', 38' Reddan 13' mIbañez 34' m King (4) 4', 42', 49', 73' King 54' Twickenham Stadium, London 81,076 Alan Lewis (Ireland) _redwhitehoops _redwhitehoops _redwhitehoops _hoops_red_white 006666 006666 006666 ffffff 006666 Leicester Tigers _goldborder _goldborder _hoops_gold 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 London Wasps FB 15IRE rugby union Geordan Murphy 77RW 14FIJ Seru RabeniOC 13ENG Danny HipkissIC 12NZL Daryl Gibson 50LW 11SAM Alesana TuilagiFH 10ENG Andy Goode 62SH 9 IRE rugby union Frank MurphyN8 8 ENG Martin Corry (c)OF 7 IRE rugby union Shane JenningsBF 6 ENG Lewis Moody 77RL 5 ENG Ben Kay 54LL 4 ENG rugby union Louis DeaconTP 3 ENG Julian WhiteHK 2 ENG George Chuter 78LP 1 ARG Marcos Ayerza 74Replacements:HK 16ENG James Buckland 78PR 17ITA Alex Moreno 74LK 18IRE rugby union Leo Cullen 54FL 19ENG Brett Deacon 77FH 20IRE rugby union Ian Humphreys 62FH 21ENG Sam Vesty 77CE 22ENG Ollie Smith 50Coach:AUS Pat Howard FB 15ENG Danny CiprianiRW 14ENG Paul SackeyOC 13ENG Fraser Waters 77IC 12ENG Josh LewseyLW 11ENG Tom VoyceFH 10ENG Alex King 74SH 9 IRE rugby union Eoin Reddan 78N8 8 ENG Lawrence Dallaglio (c) 50OF 7 ENG Tom ReesBF 6 ENG Joe WorsleyRL 5 ENG Tom PalmerLL 4 ENG Simon Shaw 55TP 3 ENG Phil Vickery 74HK 2 FRA Raphaël Ibañez 77LP 1 ENG Tom FrenchReplacements:HK 16ENG Joe Ward 77PR 17IRE rugby union Peter Bracken 74LK 18SAM Daniel Leo 55FL 19ENG James Haskell 50SH 20SCO Mark McMillan 78CE 21ENG Dominic Waldouck 77FB 22ENG Mark van Gisbergen 74Coach:SCO Ian McGeechan Man of the Match: Fraser Waters (London Wasps) Assistant referees Alain Rolland (Ireland) Simon McDowell (Ireland) Fourth official Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) Television match official David McHugh (Ireland) Citing commissioner Douglas Hunter (Scotland) Match commissioner Richard McGhee (Scotland) Post-match The Heineken Cup trophy was lifted by both Wasps captain Dallaglio and King following the presentation of runners-up medals to the Tigers side. Fraser was named man of the match but returned the glass vase presented to him because he did not want to damage it celebrating Wasps' victory on the pitch. Dallaglio commented on the victory: "Being underdogs pumps you up. We defended as if our lives depended on it. That was our greatest ever win in a final." He added: "Of all the finals that was number one without a doubt. Everyone was telling us that was the best Leicester team ever, so we must be the best Wasps team ever."Bech Duncan 21 May 2007 Dallaglio delight at 'greatest' final 50 The Journal https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163663756/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=cd6e1c87 subscription 27 April 2021 Gale OneFile: News 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062132/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163663756&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=cd6e1c87 live Worsley noted the team had not been consistent all year "but on our day we're awesome". Wasps' head coach Ian McGeechan commented: "I don't know what the second team are going to say. They're the only team to have beaten the European champions." Ibañez remarked: "You can’t imagine how good it feels to have win the Heineken Cup with these guys – it is fantastic. Those two lineout tries were good weren’t they – two specials!"20 May 2007 Ibanez's double delight https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/20/ibanezs-double-delight/ live 28 April 2021 European Professional Club Rugby 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062152/https://www.epcrugby.com/2007/05/20/ibanezs-double-delight/ Howard, who flew back to Australia to take over the family pharmacy business following a two-year spell as Tigers' coach,20 May 2007 Heineken Cup final: Leicester 9–25 Wasps – Tigers reaction https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/6674643.stm live 27 April 2021 BBC Sport 21 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070821210211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/6674643.stm spoke of his team's failure to win the treble: "To do a treble is an amazing thing. You've got to turn up lots of times. For the first time, we let ourselves down today." He also noted Wasps' physicality and Tigers' slight loss of composure contributed to their defeat. Nevertheless, Howard declared he was "immensely proud" of the club and commented: "It's been pretty special this year, but we've let ourselves down today. I'll be down for an hour or so then I'm going to celebrate our two wins." Corry admitted Wasps' outplayed the Tigers but said fatigue played no part in their defeat, adding: "Those tries cost us the game. When you defend the line-out as fiercely as we do it leaves you vulnerable and Wasps found the holes. In the second half we gave everything. I saw that in the lads' eyes. As a captain and coach that's all you can ask for." Wasps received £37,000 for winning the final.21 May 2007 Wasps' win marred by row over bonuses; Leicester 9 London Wasps 25 Evening Standard https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A163733607/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=da203aa5 subscription 27 April 2021 Gale in Context: Biography 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062132/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA163733607&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=da203aa5 live McGeechan criticised the prize money disparity in winning the Heineken Cup and being relegated from Premiership Rugby, saying: "At present, the system penalises Wasps when we give up a dozen players to Test rugby because under the current share-out of funds, we do not have the money to bring in new players. It's just not possible." Dallaglio raised concern over the level of financial investment and Wasps' resources, adding: "We need to go away and address the issues off the field and make sure we don't fail because of our lack of ability to compete at that level. We need to sort ourselves out and move forward. We need to compete with the likes of Leicester, Harlequins and Northampton who have great facilities."Kendall Mark 1 August 2007 Dallaglio: We must build now https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12332/2634693/dallaglio-we-must-build-now live 27 April 2021 Sky Sports 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429062131/https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12332/2634693/dallaglio-we-must-build-now Notes References 30em Final 2007 Heineken Cup Final Heineken Cup Final 2007 Category:Leicester Tigers matches Category:Wasps RFC matches