Phillips wants to end Racing chapter on a high
Wales' most-capped No.9 will move to Sale Sharks next season, but first he has the chance to claim glory against Saracens in Lyon on Saturday.
Phillips has played for Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Ospreys at the summit of European rugby, but can finally get his hands on the trophy this weekend. And he is determined to seal a perfect farewell with victory over a dangerous Saracens side.
"Saracens have had a great season so far, we played them last year in the quarterfinal and lost so we know a bit about them," Phillips told EPRC Rugby.
"We've done our homework on their strengths, some of their players have been on fire for England so are going to be full of confidence.
"It's going to be tough but our game has developed since then – I guess we are quite a new team with new coaches coming in – and have progressed our game. We've added some big names to the team who have brought their talent and experience. It would be great to finish up with a trophy, every player wants to win silverware."
Racing know all about Sarries after they lost 11-12 to the London side at the quarterfinal stage last year. The Top 14 contenders have started quick in the knockout rounds to build 10 point leads against RC Toulon and Leicester Tigers. Both sides fought back, but Racing held on to win both knockout matches 19-16. And Phillips reckons whoever can unlock the defence holds the keys to the trophy cabinet.
"It's vital to make a good start in any game but especially in these big Champions Cup matches. We've started well and we would have liked to have pushed on, but sometimes you just have to hold out and back your defence.
"Saracens' defence are probably the best in Europe, their line speed is suburb and they dominate collisions. They have a really good kicking game as well. We had opportunities to win that quarterfinal last year, but didn't take our chances, hopefully we'll learn from that."
@ChampionsCup
