The midfield battle could prove key at the RDS on Saturday, writes Ryan Cullen…
The British and Irish season comes to an end this weekend with two games of genuine unpredictability and intrigue. The combatants in the game at the RDS were considerably more predictable than the one due to take place at Twickenham, yet all results still seem possible given the quality of semi-final performances we witnessed from all four clubs. The nerves that come with playing in finals will certainly play their part as well.
We witnessed just how affecting those ‘inner demons’ can be to those afflicted by them at the Aviva on Saturday. To be plain, Clermont should be European champions. In a game which was always likely to be tight, Clermont controlled the shape of the game, played with greater fluidity and dominated both possession and territory. They also established what seemed to be a solid lead with a quick double score after half time, at which point it was difficult to see how Toulon would get themselves back into the game.
Toulon, though, are a high quality team themselves and although there was an element of fortune regarding the decisive score by the classless Delon Armitage, their defence in the last 15 minutes was outstanding. Any team that wins the H Cup ultimately deserves it but there was an element of sadness about the men from the Auvergne getting so close and failing. Beware the rest of Europe next year I think.
At Twickenham on Saturday we will see an East Midlands clash that not many would have predicted two weeks ago let alone two months ago. Leicester’s presence is far from a surprise of course. The Welford Road outfit has become the byword for English rugby consistency and justifiably go into the weekend’s decider as strong favourites. Their routing of Northampton at Franklins Gardens in March also suggests they will have too much for Jim Mallinder’s men.
Northampton, though, are considerably improved since the teams’ last encounter. Their set piece is once again strong enough to compete at the top level whilst their rolling maul is again a thing of ferocious beauty. Whilst their backline doesn’t quite pose the same threat as the pack, it may not have to for Northampton to become champions. As we have seen in the past, finals are often tight, forward orientated contests and if Northampton can outmuscle Leicester up front they may just be able to get their hands on the Premiership trophy.
That said, I still wouldn’t back against Leicester this weekend. Whilst I don’t think the gap between the sides is as big as some would have you believe, Leicester are a much better balanced side and I would be surprised if they aren’t crowned champions. It would certainly be deserved.
The game at the RDS on Saturday evening is certainly a much more difficult game to call than the one in London. Leinster go into the game boosted by securing another European trophy. Whilst the Amlin competition is undoubtedly the poor relation of the H Cup, a trophy and winners medal is still a pleasant fillip for any player heading into an important game.
To fill the club’s trophy cabinet further, though, it’s hard to think Leinster won’t have to improve. The performance against a plucky but limited Stade Français was an exercise in clinical efficiency, seizing upon the Parisian’s numerous mistakes to move out of sight by half time. Ulster will be a much greater challenge one would think.
The return of Brian O’Driscoll and several other front-liners suggests that Leinster will certainly be capable of rising to that challenge though. As we have seen over the past few seasons, there are few clubs more capable of preparing themselves mentally for big games than Leinster. They have the knack of winning finals and know that there will be still be an element of nervousness amongst the Ulster players following last season’s H Cup final, despite Ulster’s two league victories over the Dubliners this season.
It is unfortunate for Ulster that the best option for a stadium switch just happened to be the home ground of their final opponents. Ravenhill is a genuine rugby fortress these days and has a special atmosphere which lifts the players that extra 5%. Giving that up certainly isn’t ideal but Ulster’s progress this season suggests they are still fully capable of travelling to Dublin and taking the trophy. The 50/50 ticket split will certainly help there as well.
After a packed season, the fortnight break will have been a welcome one for Ulster’s players. That it has allowed John Afoa enough time to get back to something approaching full fitness is another major boost. Ulster is likely to try and pressurize Leinster up front and the Kiwi will be key to that effort.
The midfield battle is likely to be where the game is won and lost though. Whilst the likes of Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have come on leaps and bounds this season, this is undoubtedly their biggest challenge of the year. Taking on the Lions out half Jonathan Sexton, the living legend Brian O’Driscoll and the Leinster wunderkind Ian Madigan would prove a test for any midfield, never mind a young, inexperienced trio. But Mark Anscombe believes in them and that has been quite a recommendation so far this year.
Elsewhere, the battle between Jamie Heaslip and Nick Williams is mouth-watering, whilst Rob Kearney’s battle with Jared Payne should be a terrific guide to the future international potential of the former Auckland Blue. In truth, all the ingredients are there for a terrific final to cap the best year of Pro12 rugby we have seen to date.
The biggest question, of course, is who will be spraying the champagne come 7 o’clock on Saturday evening? Realistically all results are possible given the quality of both sides. Although Leinster are justified favourites, I suspect the Ulstermen will just edge this one.
Spurred on by a dearth of silverware in recent years and the humbling defeat in last season’s H Cup final, I believe the men from Ravenhill will produce a performance akin to their effort at Franklins Gardens earlier in the season which will get them over the line. Set piece will be crucial and as long as the Ulster pack keeps their composure I think they may just bring the Celtic League title back to Belfast for the second time.
P.S. Having seen the seedings for the H Cup next year, it looks like being the best most competitive year of the competition ever! All four groups contain teams of genuine quality which bodes well for fans. Here’s hoping some heads can be knocked together over the summer and the risk to the crown jewel of club rugby disappears.
My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.
