Premiership semi-finals as they happened

1. Saracens face Bath in Premiership final on 30 May (14:30 BST)
2. FT: Bath 47-10 Leicester
3. Banahan hat-trick as Bath score seven tries
4. FT: Northampton 24-29 Saracens
5. Saracens reach fourth Premiership final in six years
6. Sarries tries from Strettle and George, Farrell kicks five penalties

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And that just about concludes our coverage of today's Premiership action. Two contrasting ties, but both thrilling and gripping in equal measures.

We'll be back in a week's time with live text and radio commentary of the final at Twickenham, between Bath and Saracens, so we hope to see you then.

Goodnight from us!

Recap

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And, in our second semi-final, Bath reached their first Premiership final since 2004 with an emphatic win over rivals Leicester Tigers.

A brace from Matt Banahan and a Kyle Eastmond try put the home side in control, despite ending the first half with 13 men when Tom Youngs replied.

Second-half tries from Peter Stringer, George Ford and Anthony Watson sealed Bath's passage to Twickenham as Banahan completed his hat-trick late on.

You can also click here to read more on events at The Rec.

Recap

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Earlier this afternoon, Saracens reached the Premiership final after beating Northampton in a pulsating match at Franklin's Gardens.

Owen Farrell's late penalty secured victory over Saints, who had finished the season at the top of the table.

The visitors took an early lead through David Strettle's converted try but Northampton, the 2013-14 champions, fought back to level by half-time.

Jamie George's try helped Saracens carve out a five-point lead and they held on to reach Twickenham.

Click here to read the full report on the BBC Sport website.

So, before we bid you farewell, now seems as good a time as any to remind you of how today's two Premiership semi-finals unfolded...

Sarries beat illness, as well as Saints

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Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall revealed after his side's semi-final win over Northampton that his team had defied a sickness bug that had swept through the squad.

Prop Shalk Brits wasn't fit enough to make the bench, while wing Chris Ashton recovered to take his place among the replacements.

"We had a mass of sickness around the squad this week. Schalk Brits was in hospital for two days and lost seven or eight kilograms," said McCall.

"There were 10 other people who had it, but you wouldn't have known. Chris Ashton was among the worst and Brad Barritt has been in a mess, but you wouldn't have been able to see that.

"You add the bug to the occasion and it tells you the sort of group we have."

Mallinder takes defeat on the chin

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Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder said:

"We knew what their plan would be and they did what we expected, but they do it very, very well.

"At the breakdown they were physical. Those Vunipola brothers.... once they get over the ball their stomachs are touching the ground already. It's near impossible to move them.

"Everyone decides how they want to play and Saracens have gone down their route. That's the game.

"They do it very, very well. To become champions you have to beat all styles and we didn't get over this hurdle."

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill told BT Sport: "That was nothing to be ashamed of. I think we've worked really hard, and there's still a lot of quality players missing out of that side. But I've got nothing but praise for the players. It's been a tough year all round. There's no disgrace in the result today."

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Bath head coach Mike Ford told BT Sport: "We scored a couple at the end there which probably skewed the score a little bit. I thought our defence was outstanding. But they didn't really have a bench like ours, and we knew that. Once we got that fourth try we settled down and ran away with it a little bit."

Bath fly-half George Ford told BT Sport: "I think in these play-off games, when you get opportunities in the red zone you have to take them. To get seven tries is pleasing, but I'm not sure it'll be like that again next week."

Bath fly-half George Ford told BT Sport: "It was anything but easy. We had to defend for long periods of time. To be fair, the boys kept putting their bodies on the line and we got a few tries from turnovers at the end there. The score probably doesn't reflect how the game was."

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Callum Rudd: All the 'try' signs that the Bath fans are holding is exactly what Leicester fans wish the team had done. Just try.

James Pymm: Fully deserved Banahan, cracking performance.

Andrew Priestley: Wow! What a performance from Bath! To blow away a hugely experienced Leicester side with apparent ease is a massive achievement.

Tom Stanyon: As a Tigers fan, just not good enough. Haven't deserved to get to the final all season. Pains me to say but credit to Bath.

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Bath hat-trick hero Matt Banahan told BT Sport: "When we ran out, and how loud it was, that was up there with Twickenham and playing in front of 80,000 people. The whole squad have wanted to put on a performance for those guys."

Banahan, for the record, became the first player in Premiership play-off semi-final history to score a hat-trick of tries.

Bath hat-trick hero Matt Banahan told BT Sport: "I think it's the mentality of the team that we kept attacking, even with 13 men. It's nice when there's a few guys inside you producing a bit of magic - I'm just the man there finishing it."

Bath hat-trick hero Matt Banahan told BT Sport: "It's basics that win you these types of games. It's not the flash moments, if they come, that's just a bonus. It's the team that does the basics the best that'll win and we did that really well."

Bath hat-trick hero Matt Banahan told BT Sport: "We didn't want to go away from how we've been playing all year. Fortunately it came off and we put a good performance in."

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Joe Mannerians: Predicted a Saracens-Bath final on the way up to Scotland that's exactly what we're getting. Come on Bath.

James Phillips: Ford vs Farrell at Twickenham in a World Cup year then' Hope they don't murder each other

Full-time

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If you hadn't guessed already, Bath are heading to Twickenham! They will take on Saracens in next Saturday's final at Rugby HQ.

Try (Watson, con Ford)

And there is the cherry on top of the Blue, Black and White icing on Bath's cake.

Carl Fearns puts in a monster hit on Julian Salvi on halfway and, within the blink of an eye, Anthony Watson streaks clear of the Tigers defence for Bath's seventh try. Just emphatic.

The conversion from George Ford even means the hosts trump the 45 points they stuck on Leicester back in September.

Leicester have fought so hard for so long, but have fallen apart a bit here. Anthony Watson and Matt Banahan team up yet again to take Bath forward on the break, but George Ford's kick through drifts out of play and means, for the first time, the home side have entered the Leicester 22 and not scored.

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Simon Meredith: We're going to Twickenham! Allez les Blues!

Try (Banahan, con Ford)

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But Bath are just too sharp, too clinical and, dare I say it, too good.

The Blue, Black and Whites break from inside their own 22, Anthony Watson's turn of pace takes them deep inside the Leicester half and Matt Banahan sails over the line for his hat-trick and Bath's sixth try.

George Ford's conversion extends the lead to 30 points. Has this really been a 30-point match?!

Full credit to Tigers, still they knock on the Bath door, but still the hosts refuse to let them in. Another JP Doyle blow of the whistle means another Leicester penalty, however, so we're back into touch.

Replacement

Peter Stringer, playing at The Rec for the final time, is given a wonderful ovation as he's replaced at scrum-half by Chris Cook. Leicester, meanwhile, are up to the Bath five-metre line and win a penalty for their troubles too.

For those still keeping count, that is indeed five visits to the Leicester 22 and five Bath tries. Tigers are fighting until the very end here though, as you'd expect them too, as Brad Thorn launches himself into a couple of Blue, Black and White tacklers.

Steve Johnson

Ex-Tigers captain on BBC Radio Leicester

"Leicester have had about 70% of the possession and 70% of the territory and they are on the end of a hiding. Bath haven't had much possession but every time they had had it they've scored."

Try (Ford, missed con Ford)

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If they weren't already, Bath are definitely heading to Twickenham now!

So simple, but so effective from Mike Ford's men. Semesa Rokoduguni gets clear down the right, draws the tackle and offloads to George Ford, who runs through from around 15 metres out. The Premiership Player of the Season misses the conversion this time - but the home side are running riot at The Rec.

This has just not been Leicester's day. Niki Goneva and then Christian Loamanu both knock the ball on in the same passage of play and Bath have a scrum. A cutting edge is all that's separated these two teams.

Steve Johnson

Ex-Tigers captain on BBC Radio Leicester

"Leicester have only got themselves to blame. They have missed four kicks at goal and they have lived in the Bath half of the field. That is Bath's first excursion into the Tigers half in the second half and that is another try for Bath."

Try (Stringer, con Ford)

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This is quite unbelievable. I make that four visits to the Leicester Tigers 22 - and four tries scored by Bath. After securing good line-out ball, Francois Louw wriggles clear and tees up Peter Stringer, who touches down from close range.

Has the 37-year-old former Ireland scrum-half sent Bath to Twickenham? The two points added by George Ford from the tee would certainly add some weight to that theory.

Now Niki Goneva is almost through down the left, but again the home side get back to him! And, as George Ford launches a counter-attack, Mathew Tait gives away a penalty and Bath are able to send the ball up-field. Breathing space for the Blue, Black and Whites.

Having opted to boot the ball long via George Ford, Bath are defending once again. The sizeable frame of Christian Loamanu smashes through a couple of tackles to take Tigers into enemy territory, but replacement hooker Rob Webber does superbly to turn the ball over.

Bath have made 92 tackles to Leicester's 42, which tells it's own story. Mike Ford's side have entered the visitors' 22 only three times in the opening 57 minutes - but have scored on each occasion.

Leicester are working through the phases now, as this game starts to return to some kind of watchable structure at long last. But Bath have turned it over and look to run it from deep inside their own half.

Replacement

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Sam Burgess's afternoon is over now, as he's withdrawn for Matt Garvey. He's not quite had the same impact here as he has done in recent weeks for Bath, now playing at flanker of course.

After the breathless opening period, there's been absolutely no flow to this second half whatsoever. A couple of resets eventually lead to Leicester knocking it on after picking it up at the base of the scrum, meaning a further set-piece.

Replacement

Huge cheers ring out around The Rec as captain Stuart Hooper is withdrawn. I wonder if he'll be leading his side out at Twickenham in the final next week? Not if Leicester have anything to do with it, as another knock-on means another scrum, which this time Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs will insert.

Steve Johnson

Ex-Tigers captain on BBC Radio Leicester

"Nothing is running for Leicester at this moment in time."

As Bath clear the ball long, Leicester knock on, so we'll have a scrum. Tigers have generally had the better at the set-piece so far this evening - and it's another huge push which allows them to turn it over here too.

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This second half, with the injury to Niall Morris, just hasn't quite packed the same punch as the first. And that'll suit Bath, who were down to 13 and then 14 men for the first few minutes, and have now won a penalty after Jordan Crane was penalised for holding onto the ball on the floor.

Missed penalty (Bell)

Tommy Bell takes over kicking duties from Freddie Burns then, but he misses the posts too. That's 12 points - enough to have Leicester in the lead - wasted from the tee now.

Winger Matt Banahan, scorer of two of Bath's three tries, has gone in at number eight in place of Leroy Houston, who's still got another minute or so left in the sin-bin. And Leicester win a penalty from the scrum too - surely that wasn't Paul James again?!

After a long pause in play, Niall Morris is at last withdrawn to warm applause from around The Rec. Despite this fierce rivalry, it's always good to see opposition fans recognise when a player is seriously hurt. Time for a scrum.

Replacement

Tommy Bell comes on to replace Niall Morris, who missed a few months earlier this season with an ankle injury. The 26-year-old Irishman is lifted onto a stretcher.

Ouch!

Now, that looks like a sore one for Niall Morris. He goes tumbling under Ross Batty's tackle, and is now receiving some treatment for an ankle injury. The Leicester man looks in a serious amount of discomfort.

Missed penalty (Burns)

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Freddie Burns can't land the kick though, so that's an early escape for Bath. Anthony Watson is back on the field, by the way, meaning the Blue, Black and Whites are back up to 14 men.

Kick-off

Here we go then. Bath fly-half George Ford gets us under way - but his kick is not what he was looking for, and then Leicester win a penalty from the resulting scrum. An early chance for Freddie Burns?

The teams have returned to the field at The Rec. You'd imagine Leicester will be desperate to make the most of their numerical advantage, with Anthony Watson and Leroy Houston both in the sin-bin for Bath, at the start of this second half.

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Bath have the points on the board, but Leicester have definitely done their fair share of attacking in that first 40 minutes.

Who'll be joining Saracens at Twickenham? Tell us using #bbcrugby on Twitter.

BBC

Here's the scores on the doors at the interval. Bath are ahead, but this is far from over.

Steve Johnson

Ex-Tigers captain on BBC Radio Leicester

"When you look at the stats, Bath have been in the Leicester 22 on three occasions and scored three simple tries. Leicester have camped in the Bath 22 and have scored just one try. But that try means Leicester are back in the race."

Half-time

A frantic, crazy, breathless 40 minutes of rugby union. But who expected anything different? Bath lead by 11 points at the break.

Try (Tom Youngs, con Burns)

Ben Hoskins

At last! Following the line-out, Leicester have the rolling maul in fine, working order, allowing Tom Youngs to peal off the side and bundle his way over. Freddie Burns's conversion is good, and Bath's resistance has been broken on the stroke of half-time. That should make Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill a little happier.

No try (Morris)

Niall Morris has indeed dropped it, owing in part to some fine last-ditch defensive work from Semesa Rokoduguni. We'll go back for that advantage, however...

Try review (Morris)

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Niall Morris is indeed over in the corner - but does he drop it as he looks to touch down?!

Tigers are up to the Bath five-metre line, the ball in their hand and an advantage in their pocket. Can they at last make their numerical advantage count?

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Shaun: Houston we have a problem.

Brad Towers: I knew it wouldn't be long before Sam Burgess returned to the 13 man game

There's six more minutes for Bath to survive with two men in the bin.

The Blue, Black and Whites concede another penalty though, Ross Batty the guilty party, so it looks as though we'll be ending the first period deep inside the Bath half.

Martin Ballard

BBC Radio Leicester

"This is a real turning point of the game with Bath down to 13 men. They shouldn't be able to compete if Tigers keep the ball."

Leicester's attack is relentless though, streaming forward once again, with Ben Youngs at the very heart of it. But now they've dropped it - here come the 13 men of Bath on the offensive!

Referee JP Doyle is unhappy with the first scrum so we'll have a reset. And Leicester have had a shocker there, conceding a penalty at the set-piece and letting Bath off the hook big style. Richard Cockerill is marching down the stand, he doesn't look happy!

Kane Palma-Newport

Bath prop on BBC Radio Bristol

"There is a sudden momentum shift with two men in the bin and Leicester camped in the Bath half."

Sin-bin (Houston)

Oh dear, Bath are up against it all of a sudden. Leroy Houston is off to the bin this time, having landed himself in a slightly awkward position at the maul, and the home side are down to 13 men. Leicester will try a scrum this time.

If ever a team needed a score, it's Leicester Tigers right now. Stuart Hooper is this time penalised following the line-out, prompting the visitors to head to touch once more...

Sin-bin (Watson)

But here come Leicester, who are having absolutely none of that kind of chat, immediately forcing Bath to backtrack. And, as they look desperate in defence, Anthony Watson infringes and is sent to the bin for his troubles too. Tigers head for touch.

Andrew Sheridan

BBC Radio Bristol

"Leicester are now starting to have a mountain to climb, if it wasn't a mountain before."

Try (Eastmond, con Ford)

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Goodness me, this is absolutely brutal from Bath. George Ford's pass picks out Semesa Rokoduguni, who slips slightly before sending a grubber through to turn Leicester's defence. And now here comes Kyle Eastmond, in the right place at the right time, to cross the whitewash!

It's three conversions from three from George Ford too and, I know I promised not to mention that 45-0 again, but...

Matt Banahan, one of only two Bath players to have featured last time they were in the play-offs in 2010, seems to have the Midas touch this evening. His long kick pegs Leicester back from the restart.

Try (Banahan, con Ford)

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And, like a switch, Bath turn it on in emphatic style once again to stretch their lead. Jonathan Joseph is at the heart of it once more, sending Matt Banahan through out wide to cross in the corner. That is utterly ruthless from Mike Ford's side - whose advantage is extended further by George Ford's conversion.

That seems to have sprung Bath back into action however, gathering the restart and immediately pinning Leicester back. Here's Sam Burgess now, taking the ball into contact, making some ground...

Penalty (Burns)

Leicester are, at long last, on the scoreboard. It's third time lucky for Freddie Burns, who splits the post from 30 metres or so.

Paul James has come off, temporarily you'd have thought, for Nick Auterac meanwhile.

Having secured good ball from the set-piece, Mathew Tait is again in the thick of things, releasing Julian Salvi out wide. The back-rower doesn't have the pace to wriggle clear - but he does do enough to win Leicester yet another penalty.

Paul James, all the while, is receiving some treatment to a nasty looking cut to the head.

Kane Palma-Newport

Bath prop on BBC Radio Bristol

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"Bath will be quite happy so far. Leicester have had all the attacking and Bath haven't really done that much. Leicester have had lots of the ball but defensively Bath have been fantastic."

Now Bath's South African forward Francois Louw has given away a penalty, failing to roll away at the base of a ruck, giving Freddie Burns this time the opportunity to head to touch.

Missed penalty (Burns)

Freddie Burns, all of 47 metres from the posts, has a go but the ball comes back out off the upright. Niki Goneva is the man to gather it too, but Tigers concede a penalty and it's a real let off for Bath.

Leicester, make no mistake about it, are on top here.

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But following wave after Leicester wave, Bath clear the ball long. Now, Ben Youngs attempts a box-kick on halfway only for Stuart Hooper to charge it down. The Bath captain sets off in pursuit of the ball, but he's penalised for offside and Leicester have a penalty.

Tigers have the ball back once more, as Peter Stringer's touch-finder goes straight out of play. Richard Cockerill's side have responded superbly since Bath's fast start.

Freddie Burns kicks to touch then, and Leicester are on the attack from the set-piece. Mathew Tait, heading for Bayonne in the summer, takes the ball into contact but the home side are holding firm here. And this time the penalty is theirs too, as Ed Slater is penalised for holding on.

The first one collapses, so referee JP Doyle asks the two packs to have another crack. The experienced Peter Stringer feeds it in for a second time - and Leicester have a penalty this time. There didn't look a huge amount in it, but it seems Dan Cole has got the better of Paul James on this near side and it's advantage Tigers at scrum time.

Leicester do well to turn the ball over and have it in hand again, although the returning Marcos Ayerza knocks it on and Bath have the put-in at our first scrum of the evening.

This has been a terrific opening to the match, certainly living up to the first semi-final. Anthony Watson strides forward from full-back, taking Bath up to the Leicester 10-metre line.

Missed penalty (Burns)

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Freddie Burns can't land the kick though, dragging his attempt across the posts from the right and it's an opportunity squandered.

Tigers look to be in behind Bath here too, as they switch it to the right, but George Ford's superb tackle forces them into touch. It looks like prop Paul James has conceded a penalty at the line-out, however, and the away side are heading for the posts this time...

Steve Johnson

Ex-Tigers captain on BBC Radio Leicester

"Can you believe that with just a minute on the clock? Leicester were all following the ball and didn't spread across the field and left a two-man overlap. That's embarrassing from a Leicester perspective."

Leicester have responded nicely here though, with wing Niki Goneva cutting a tidy line down the left-hand side to pin the home team back. Tigers are into the Bath 22.

Try (Banahan, con Ford)

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How about that for a start from the Blue, Black and Whites? It's vintage Bath as, following the set-piece, George Ford draws the tackle to release Jonathan Joseph, whose arrowed pass then picks out Matt Banahan on the wing to cross in the corner.

Ford's conversion, from the tightest of angles, is exquisite too and I'd imagine this is just how his father, head coach Mike, would've planned it.

That's an early error from the visitors, however, giving away a penalty following Freddie Burns' second long kick forward. George Ford goes to touch and Bath are on the attack.

Kick-off

Anyway, that's quite enough kit chat. JP Doyle puffs his whistle, Freddie Burns kicks long and we're under way at The Rec.

Or is that Leicester strip orange? We're struggling to decide here in the office. Any ideas?

Here come the teams

Here come the two sets of players. Leicester, in bright red, come out to a fairly muted reception. Bath, in their familiar blue, black and white, are roared on.

It looks like we'll be kicking off a couple of minutes late.

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Alexander Harris: Leicester by 7

Jon Buckland: Bath to win (please).

Small Man Peaky: Bath to win by a score. Leicester lucky to make playoffs and been erratic all season. Joseph, Louw and Ford point of difference

We've got it covered

BBC Sport

As well as following our text feed, you can also listen to live radio commentary from both BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Leicester on this evening's match at The Rec.

Just click the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of this page to pick which tones you'd prefer to listen to.

Another fond farewell

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Following the flurry of fond farewells this time last week, with Sale winger Mark Cueto and London Welsh centre Tom May both bringing their playing careers to an end, we could have another one on our hands today.

At the ripe old age of 40, New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn is in the Leicester Tigers side this afternoon - but is very much hoping to postpone his retirement by another 80 minutes.

"I feel so lucky and blessed but it would be great to push on for one more game and play at Twickenham," he told BBC East Midlands today. "It's a special place to play."

You can read more from Thorn in this rather nicely crafted feature by our very own Owen Phillips.

Are you 'mad for it'?

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The Blue, Black and Whites need to be "mad for it" when they take on Leicester Tigers this afternoon, according to fly-half George Ford.

Ford is one of eight Bath players to be named in England's 50-man training squad for this year's World Cup - and each one of them will be hoping this won't turn out to be their last competitive action before the tournament kicks off on 18 September.

"These are the games you want to play in as a team and as individuals, and we're just looking forward to it," Ford told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Leicester are going to come here mad for it - and we've just got to be mad for it ourselves."

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That 45-0 drubbing - and Tigers fans, I promise I'll try not to mention it again - was just one part of a pretty scratchy start to the season for Richard Cockerill's Leicester.

But don't they always just come roaring back when it really matters?

"I have always said it was about where we sit after round 22 - and we sit third," Cockerill told BBC East Midlands Today. "It doesn't matter where you are halfway through the season and you are sat in seventh or eighth and everybody has already made their mind up that it is a disaster.

"It's the end of the season that counts. We are the form team in the league in 2015, so there is some satisfaction in that."

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It's not going to be an easy task following that first semi-final, is it? But who do you think will come out on top at The Rec - will it be Bath's day or Leicester's day?

Tell us what you think using #bbcrugby on Twitter.

Team news

Bath: Watson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Eastmond, Banahan; Ford, Stringer; James, Batty, Wilson, Hooper (capt), Attwood, Burgess, Louw, Houston.

Replacements: Webber, Auterac, Thomas, Day, Garvey, Fearns, Cook, Devoto.

Leicester: Morris; Thompstone, Tait, Loamanu, Goneva; Burns, Ben Youngs (capt); Ayerza, Tom Youngs, Cole, Thorn, Kitchener, Slater, Salvi, Crane.

Replacements: Briggs, Rizzo, Balmain, De Chaves, Gibson, Harrison, Bell, Catchpole.

Team news

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How are we lining up then?

England centre Jonathan Joseph returns for Bath, who beat West Country rivals Gloucester on the final day of the regular season last week.

Head coach Mike Ford has also recalled captain Stuart Hooper, while Ross Batty comes back in at hooker.

Leicester Tigers make just one change from the side that earned an 11th successive appearance in the Premiership semi-finals by beating Northampton Saints.

Marcos Ayerza returns to the starting line-up at loose-head prop in place of the injured Logovi'i Mulipola.

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Leicester Tigers on Twitter: Ready to go!

@LeicesterTigers

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And, speaking of previous encounters, if you're in Leicester's camp there is one that certainly does stick out like a very sore thumb from the rest.

Back in September, Bath ran out 45-0 winners against Richard Cockerill's side at The Rec, the heaviest top-flight defeat ever inflicted upon Tigers.

"It was not good," Lock Graham Kitchener told BBC East Midlands Today. "I tried to wipe it from my mind.

"For the boys who played in it was a bit of a turning point. We thought we can't go back to that. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong that day. It was bit of freak result."

A long-distance derby?

Having first faced one another on Saturday, 13 September 1913, the century old rivalry shared between Bath and Leicester Tigers is one of the most famous in domestic rugby union.

A derby in every way apart from location, the two sides have played 26 times in the Premiership, with Tigers having won 16 and Bath only nine.

Mike Ford's side have, at least, come out on top in each of their last four meetings at The Rec though, so maybe the omens aren't all bad for tonight's hosts.

One down, one to go

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Saracens it is, then. But who will be joining them at Twickenham on Saturday, 30 May?

We'll find out in due course. It's time for Bath v Leicester Tigers.

Wow, got your breath back? What a super first semi-final. Looking back, it's worth noting that Saracens were only ever behind for about three minutes at the start of the second half. Otherwise they were always level at worst.

But how crucial was Stephen Myler's missed conversion that would have tied the scores at 23-23?

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Andrew Priestley: What an incredible game of rugby. Usually in SFs, with so much on the line, there isn't much rugby played. But that was special.

Jason Stone: Play-offs: Is it right? Saints top most of the season, Sarries scrape into 4th. Sarries go through to possibly win the championship??

Ian Hunter

Ex-England and Northampton full-back on BBC Radio Northampton

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"Saracens were the better team on the day. They came here with real intent.

"I don't think they were overly creative - you didn't see any flair. But the big difference for me was that their kicking game was absolutely immense today."

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell told BT Sport: "It will mean a lot (to win the Premiership final). We have got to work hard this week and make sure we are prepared.

"We have had to work hard to get here. In the last couple of years we have been right up there but things have not gone all our way this year.

"We will put the work in this week and we will look forward to next week's game."

Saracens flanker Jacques Burger told BT Sport: "They are a very big, physical side and we knew we needed to match them. The boys put in one hell of a shift today.

"It is no secret that they have had the better of us the last couple of times and we knew we needed to be at our best. We stood up physically. Every collision we were there."

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George Barrett: FARRELL!!

Eloquently put, George. England fly-half Owen Farrell has kicked Saracens into the Premiership final.

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Full-time

Saracens are going to Twickenham! They turn the ball over one last time on the Saints 22 and are awarded the penalty, which they take great pleasure in booting away. Referee Greg Garner blows the final whistle and brings to an end Northampton's reign as champions.

Still we play on as Northampton have a penalty and run the ball.

The clock goes red as Owen Farrell kicks off but Northampton will have one last chance. But they're deep inside their own 22 and they can't afford to kick the ball away.

Ian Hunter

Ex-England and Northampton full-back on BBC Radio Northampton

"If Saints are going to win this game, it's going to come down to one moment of individual brilliance."

Penalty (Myler)

Northampton are back to within a score as Stephen Myler kicks the penalty. There are 30 seconds left. Is there one last twist?

Saracens are almost there as Tom Wood knocks on inside the visitors' half. But Sarries are penalised at the scrum and Northampton have a penalty. They need two scores so Stephen Myler will go for the posts.

Ian Hunter

Ex-England and Northampton full-back on BBC Radio Northampton

"Saints have never had the momentum during this game. I don't think Saracens have done anything amazing to win this, but their defence has been absolutely fantastic."

Penalty (Farrell)

It's over and surely that's it? Owen Farrell is the coolest man inside Franklin's Gardens as he strikes the ball precisely between the sticks. Those three points extends his lead at the top of the list of points-scorers in Premiership semi-finals.

Could that be that? Billy Vunipola turns the ball over on the Saints 10-metre line and Northampton are penalised. Owen Farrell will have a kick to win this from around 45 metres.

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Saracens run through the phases inside the Northampton half. They're running the clock down and Northampton, chasing the game, are at the wrong end of the park.

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Ciaran Zanna: Being a Saracens fan and with my luck a late twist is on the cards I think. I hope not though!!!

Northampton are running out of time here. That scrum has to be reset and Saracens are then awarded a free-kick, giving Owen Farrell the chance to kick the ball deep into the Northampton half.

Joe Townsend

BBC Radio Northampton

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"You can feel the tension in Franklin's Gardens that then erupts into cries of elation at every refereeing decision. Saracens are camped on their own line but so far Saints can't find a way through.

"The champions are clinging on to their title by a thread, with boss Jim Mallinder now using all his replacements. I can taste extra-time."

That's a great take by Jamie Elliott on halfway from Owen Farrell's bomb. But his good work is undone as Gareth Denman knocks on and Saracens will have the put-in at a scrum on halfway.

That's a great kick by Kahn Fotuali'i as the replacement scrum-half plants the ball behind the Saracens defensive line and into touch in the corner, five metres from the visitors' line. You sense Northampton are cranking up the pressure with only 10 minutes to play.

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We're into the final 10 minutes at Franklin's Garden then. Can Saracens hold on or is there a late twist in the tale?

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Replacement

A couple of notable replacements to report. Maro Itoje's afternoon is over as the Saracens flanker is replaced by Jackson Wray, while Saints captain Dylan Hartley goes off and Mike Haywood comes on.

Ian Hunter

Ex-England and Northampton full-back on BBC Radio Northampton

"You have to take your hat off to Saracens there. Saints put them under huge amounts of pressure but they controlled their line speed coming up, and didn't rush to the ball."

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Saracens' defensive work is impressive as they keep Northampton at bay but, the home side stay patient and go through the phases again, keeping the ball tight. But Sarries' resistance is rewarded when Alex Waller is pulled up for not staying on his feet and Owen Farrell clears.

Saracens are warned after Billy Vunipola concedes their 16th penalty of the game. Northampton will go for the catch and drive from the line-out again.

Saracens want to disrupt the Northampton ruck with the boot but time and again they are being pulled up for kicking the ball out of a Saints player's hands.

Stephen Myler kicks for territory, and then does so again after Sarries are penalised again for pulling down the maul, The home side are camped in the Saracens 22.

Penalty (Farrell)

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And that's three more points in the bag for Saracens as Owen Farrell makes no mistake from the 10-metre line. Sarries' lead is back up to five points.

That's a blow for Northampton. No sooner are they back in the game then Gareth Denman is penalised after losing his footing at the scrum. Owen Farrell will kick for goal.

Try (Wood)

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Northampton go for the catch and drive but it all seems to be going wrong until Jamie Elliott and Kahn Fotuali'i join in to regain the momentum. It works as Tom Wood goes over and touches down, only for Stephen Myler to slice his conversion attempt wide. That's his 100% record with the boot gone for the afternoon and how costly could that be?

Credit to Northampton, though, they will not give this up. They spin the ball wide to George Pisi who is stopped in his track illegally by Owen Farrell. Stephen Myler goes for the corner.

Ian Hunter

Ex-England and Northampton full-back on BBC Radio Northampton

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"Saracens are putting Saints under huge amounts of pressure and what they're doing is either turning the ball over or winning penalties. Their kicking has been very, very accurate. I'm very impressed.

"I don't think the injuries have helped Saints. They have lost a bit of momentum."

Phil Parry

Journalist, BBC London Sport

"You can feel it around the stands that there's a bit more tension from both sets of supporters. At this point, you can't afford a mistake or an error, it ends up being more costly than earlier in the game."

Penalty (Farrell)

Saracens lead by seven points as Owen Farrell makes it four kicks from five as he lands from the tee once more.

Saracens' energy levels appear to be higher than Northampton's at the start of this half. With a stronger-looking bench is this their chance to take control. They have a penalty coming too midway inside the Saints half after Tom Stephenson is penalised for not rolling away.

Replacement

Northampton's replacement bench is emptying quite rapidly as Lee Dickson heads off for a head injury assessment and is replaced at scrum-half by Samoa international Kahn Fotuali'i.

Saracens have been pretty undisciplined so far this half and Mako Vunipola is penalised on halfway for trying to kick the ball out of Lee Dickson's hands. Northampton will kick for territory once more.

Try (George, con Farrell)

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George Kruis takes the ball at the back of the line-out and the Saracens pack power forward, driving hooker Jamie George over the line. Owen Farrell adds a tricky conversion from near the touchline. Northampton led for only three minutes but they're behind again now.

Once again, a penalty is followed by another penalty as Saints are penalised on their own 22. It's on the touchline so rather than go for the posts, Owen Farrell kicks for the corner. It's Saracens' turn to try their luck from a set-piece.

Penalty (Myler)

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Stephen Myler makes no mistake from 15 metres out and almost right in front of the posts to maintain his 100% record. Northampton are in front for the first time.

The Northampton pack rumble on after Courtney Lawes takes the line-out and Sarries are penalised for the third time in three minutes, handing Stephen Myler a relatively simple kick for goal.

Saracens are penalised again, this time at scrum-time near halfway. Stephen Myler kicks deep and Saints will have a line-out on the Saracens 22.

Kick-off

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell gets us back under way but the visitors are immediately penalised, giving Northampton the chance to kick for field position.

The sides re-emerge and Northampton have had to make another change, with Tom Stephenson replacing James Wilson. Ken Pisi will go to full-back.

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But will extra-time be needed? Or can we find a winner after 80 minutes and, if yes, who's your money on?

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Extra-time anyone?

You might remember that last year's Premiership final between these sides went to extra-time and given we're level here it might be worth a reminder of what would happen if we finish all square.

Firstly, we would have 20 minutes of extra-time, 10 minutes each way. And if the sides still cannot be separated then the team that has scored the most tries will go to Twickenham.

If they're level on tries too then it'll be down to penalty kicks. Surely it won't go that far, will it?

Joe Townsend

BBC Radio Northampton

"Saints will be disappointed to only be level after dominating the opening half. But they were left chasing the game when Saracens wing David Strettle hacked on for Duncan Taylor, exploiting a gap behind the defence that was left by the stricken Ahsee Tuala.

"So far, the visitors have shown little in attack - but, they do have Owen Farrell's boot. You feel Sarries must show more after the break though, or the champions seem likely to eventually grind them down."

BBC

So, here's the tale of the tape at the break.

Half-time

That is indeed the last kick of the half and both sides troop off to the dressing rooms. This is too close to call.

Penalty (Myler)

The kick is right in front of the posts, 20 metres out, and Stephen Myler slots it over with the minimum of fuss. We're all level going into half-time.

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Northampton try to get moving but to their credit Saracens stand firm. Saints are up to eight, nine phases but they can't get over the 22. That's a dozen phases now. Ken Pisi then gets absolutely smashed by Jacques Burger who is then penalised for not rolling away. Burger reacts angrily and shoves Lee Dickson in the chest, but there is no card and it will just be a penalty with the last kick of the half.

We're a minute away from the break but Northampton have a penalty just inside their own half for Jacques Burger rolling Luther Burrell by the neck. Stephen Myler kicks deep and the Northampton pack will have one last chance for a catch and drive to the line.

Worryingly for Northampton, James Wilson, who replaced Ahsee Tuala at full-back early on, also appears to be struggling with an injury. Saints might be keen for half-time to come now. They've lost that momentum they had earlier in the half.

Penalty (Farrell)

PA

This time Owen Farrell makes no mistake as he strokes over his kick from a slight angle 40m out to give Saracens the lead for the third time.

No sooner has that kick gone over then Alex Waller, who scored the try that won the title for Saints last season, replaces Alex Corbisiero at prop.

But it's not long before Saracens are awarded a third penalty in quick succession midway inside the Northampton half after Saints are penalised for not rolling away.

Missed penalty (Farrell)

This one's more difficult for Owen Farrell and this time he pulls his angled kick across the face of the posts and wide.

That's now three penalties in only a matter of moments as new England squad call-up Maro Itoje draws the penalty for Saracens, prompting Owen Farrell to call for the tee once again.

Penalty (Myler)

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And it's no surprise that Stephen Myler makes no mistake with the boot from right in front of the posts. We're all square once again.

But how often do you see one side score a penalty and then concede one? That's what Saracens do here as Petrus Du Plessis tackles George Pisi off the ball. Stephen Myler has a chance to tie the scores once again.

Andy Rowley

BBC London 94.9

"That was a really big hit from the Scot Duncan Taylor that led to Saracens winning that penalty. It earned him a big hug from defensive captain Brad Barritt."

Penalty (Farrell)

That's meat and drink to Owen Farrell, who slots the ball though the posts from around 30 metres out.

Saracens are back up to full strength as Mako Vunipola returns to the fray. The visitors will be happy to have only conceded one score in that 10 minutes. Not only that but they get the chance to retake the lead as England centre Brad Barritt turns the ball over midway inside the Saints half and is rewarded with a penalty.

Saracens' under-strength pack survive that scrum and can then breathe a little easier as Saints prop Salesi Ma'afu is penalised, allowing Owen Farrell to clear.

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Saracens are really under the pump here as Lee Dickson and then Alex Corbisiero make half breaks. But after nine phases Sarries can take a breather as they are awarded the put-in at a scrum after Saints are pulled up for obstruction. This is breathless stuff.

That was an impressive response from Northampton after that early setback, and their forwards show signs of taking control as they drive the Saracens scrum backwards to be rewarded with another penalty which puts them deep in opposing territory once more.

Joe Townsend

BBC Radio Northampton

PA

"Both sides started cagily, happy to either kick deep or test with high bombs. Nerves have been cast aside in the stands though, as the home crowd dragged Saints to parity inside an electric Franklin's Gardens. A crucial spell coming up with Saracens prop Mako Vunipola in the sin bin."

Try (Penalty, con Myler)

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That Northampton pressure pays off as Owen Farrell is ruled to have stopped Saints' catch and drive illegally and referee Greg Garner goes under the posts to award a penalty try. Stephen Myler slots over the simplest of conversions and we are level.

Sin-bin (M Vunipola)

Once again Saracens can only stop Northampton illegally and referee Greg Garner sends Sarries prop Mako Vunipola to the bin. The visitors are under all sorts of pressure.

Dylan Hartley's line-out is secured and Northampton rumble towards the line. They think they are over but the referee says no and instead gives Saints a penalty for Billy Vunipola going in at the side. Saints will try again.

Northampton go through the phases deep inside Saracens territory and are rewarded with a penalty. Stephen Myler goes for the corner.

Northampton can't make the most of that field position, but after Calum Clark then turns the ball over on halfway the boot of James Wilson pins Sarries inside their own 22.

That's a good crossfield kick by Northampton centre Luther Burrell, who saw David Strettle out of position and knocked it behind him. Alex Goode gathers but can only run it into touch for a Saints line-out midway inside the Sarries half.

Replacement

That will also be the end of the game for Ahsee Tuala, who injured his shoulder at the bottom of a ruck. James Wilson replaces him at full-back.

Andy Rowley

BBC London 94.9

PA

"What a start that is for Saracens. A brilliant kick from David Strettle that just held up, a fantastic chase down the line and they were over in the corner. Just how important was it that full-back Ahsee Tuala was out of position for Northampton?"

Try (Strettle, con Farrell)

What a start for Saracens! With Ahsee Tuala down they take full advantage of their numerical advantage by spinning the ball wide. David Strettle boots it downfield from inside his own half and Duncan Taylor wins the foot race to give it back to his supporting wing, who dives over from a couple of metres out. Owen Farrell slots over the conversion from the touchline.

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Saracens wing Chris Wyles shows no nerves as he takes a high bomb from Lee Dickson on his own 22. That was a positive first touch. Worryingly for Saints full-back Ahsee Tuala is having treatment on halfway.

Kick-off

Referee Greg Garner blows his whistle, Northampton fly-half Stephen Myler kicks high and long and we are off.

Here come the teams

Both sides enter the arena to rapturous applause. There's a great noise in the stadium. Saracens supporters have travelled in good numbers, waving their flags, and both sets of fans are ready for this.

Almost there...

Flags are being flown on the pitch and the teams are making their final preparations in the dressing rooms. "When the Saints go marching in" rings around the Gardens. We're almost ready for action.

Choice of listening

As well as text coverage of today's game, you can also listen to the action as it unfolds.

We've got a choice of listening for you too, with BBC Radio 5 live covering the game, while if you want something a bit more partisan then BBC Radio Northampton and BBC London 94.9 are also providing commentary.

Just click on the live coverage tab and scroll through the selection to pick your stream.

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Chuck Macleod: We've beaten them in the last month, we can do it again. Same ref, same game plan, same result. #COYS

For those who might mistake that hashtag for 'Come on you Saracens', this happened at Stadium MK on 25 April.

We're just 10 minutes away from kick-off, the teams are going through the last of their warm-ups and Franklin's Gardens is filling up nicely. It should be a cracking atmosphere by the time we get under way.

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Saracens on Twitter: A little look into the away dressing room! #WhiteWolf

@Saracens

Saracens will be wearing all white this afternoon rather than their more familiar black kit.

Saints to use play-off experience

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Northampton have plenty of experience of the play-offs, having reached two successive finals and beating Saracens to win their first Premiership title 12 months ago.

And flanker Tom Wood says they must use that to their advantage to book another trip to HQ this afternoon.

"We've been there and won it and I know what it feels like and I just want to repeat it," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We've got to make sure we show the same level of hunger that we did in the final and semi-final last year."

Sarries will relish atmosphere

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Northampton won both league meetings between the sides this season, winning 31-24 in November at Allianz Park and 25-20 in April at StadiumMK.

But Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said his side would not be intimidated by the inevitable white-hot atmosphere inside Franklin's Gardens this afternoon.

"We have got a squad who don't mind being on the road and kind of relish hostile atmospheres," he told BBC London 94.9.

"The atmosphere we faced when we played Clermont in the Champions Cup was something very special.

"Having been through that and played quite a decent game that day, I don't think anywhere else will have big fear for us."

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Northampton Saints on Twitter: The last game... #EndOfAnEra Let's give the Sturtridge a noisy send-off!

@SaintsRugby

The famous pavilion, in situ at Franklin's gardens for nearly 50 years, is being demolished this summer to be replaced by a new stand at the north end of the stadium.

Last year's Twickenham showdown

So, it's Bath v Leicester at 17:00 BST but with all the stellar names in those Northampton and Saracens line-ups, the appetiser to that game isn't too shabby either.

It's only a repeat of last year's final, which Saints won in the most dramatic of fashions thanks to Alex Waller's try in the last minute of extra-time.

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Team news

After resting their star names for the trip to Leicester last week in their final league game of the season, Northampton revert back to the same 23-man squad that beat London Welsh a fortnight ago.

England stars Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood and Luther Burrell are among those to return to the side that lost at Welford Road.

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Saracens wing Chris Ashton, who scored four tries in the win over Welsh that secured a play-off spot last Saturday, is only fit enough to start on the bench after illness. There's also a late change among the Sarries replacements as Jared Saunders comes in for the ill Schalk Brits.

But there are starts for England centre Brad Barritt and scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth, as well as 20-year-old forward Maro Itoje, who was named in Stuart Lancaster's 50-man World Cup training squad this week.

Team news

Northampton: Tuala; K Pisi, G Pisi, Burrell, Elliott; Myler, Dickson; Corbisiero, Hartley, Ma'afu, Lawes, Day, Wood, Clark, Manoa.

Replacements: Haywood, Waller, Denman, Dickinson, Fisher, Fotuali'i, Stephenson, Wilson.

Saracens: Goode; Wyles, Taylor, Barritt, Strettle; Farrell, Wigglesworth; M Vunipola, George, Du Plessis, Kruis, Hargreaves, Itoje, Burger, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Saunders, Barrington, Figallo, Hamilton, Wray, De Kock, Hodgson, Ashton.

Ref: Greg Garner

It will probably come as no surprise that our early attention is going to be on events at Franklin's Gardens. So before we go any further, let's take a look at today's line-ups.

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What an afternoon we have in prospect and we would just love to know how you think it's going to pan out.

Can Northampton overcome Saracens again and reach their third successive Premiership final? Or will it be the Londoners making the short trip to Twickenham?

And what about events at The Rec later? Is this going to be Bath's year or can Leicester make the most of their play-off experience to reach yet another final?

Let us know using #bbcrugby on Twitter.

Later we have a match-up for you steeped in tradition.

Bath against Leicester is one of the oldest rivalries in English rugby, with the two clubs having gone at it hammer and tongs against each other for more than 100 years.

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It's one that in more recent times evokes memories of Guscott, Chilcott and Barnes in the Blue, Black and White, and Kardooni, Johnson and Rowntree for Tigers.

Not to mention England fly-half George Ford, who has played for both clubs and will be hoping to lead Bath into the final today. But more of that later.

How they finished

BBC

Here's how the Premiership table ended up after last weekend's final matches.

It was quite a Saturday afternoon as Leicester, Saracens and Exeter battled it out for the two remaining places to join Northampton and Bath in the play-offs.

Leicester's win over a weakened Saints guaranteed their progress, while Sarries edged out the Chiefs on points difference thanks to a big win over London Welsh.

We've got back-to-back games for you this afternoon which promise to pack more punch than Mayweather v Pacquiao.

AFP

No fewer than 30 of England's 50-man World Cup training squad will be involved, suggesting we should be in for some high quality action as Northampton face Saracens and Bath tackle Leicester.

After 132 games of a gruelling Premiership season, four teams are left standing.

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Their target? A place at Twickenham in next weekend's Premiership final.

Welcome to our coverage of today's two semi-finals.