Saracens have been labelled as massive under-achievers in the Premiership, with the 1998 Tetley's Bitter Cup win their only success in the professional era despite lavish investment from owner Nigel Wray.

BBC: Gaffney wary of Munster forwards

And, while Capello and his players will take some time to banish the bitter memories of the World Cup fiasco in South Africa, they have made the best possible start to their period of recovery.

BBC: Switzerland 1-3 England

Chelsea can complete the domestic double with victory over cash-strapped Portsmouth in the FA Cup final at Wembley next weekend, while for United there was bitter disappointment as they remained a point adrift.

CNN: Chelsea romp to title with eight-goal triumph

But out-going coach Afshin Ghotbi, an American citizen and Iranian exile who once scouted for Team USA against Iran at the 1998 World Cup, will hope that national pride will be restored with victory over their bitter rivals.

CNN: Qatar welcomes half the world