WE’VE COME CLOSE before. but today mark’s the day when the Irish provinces have conquered Europe.
It’s the first ever all-Irish Heineken Cup final and most air-travellers have been priced out of the market for weeks now.
They’re coming from all over for this one.
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Whether travelling from Dublin and Belfast, elsewhere in England or further afield to see a clash of the titans. It’s Dublin v Tyrone, Kildare v Down, (insert the counties you’re annoyed I didn’t mention here) Harrington v McIlroy, Doyle v McClean, Taylor v Barnes… I’m out of breath just thinking about it.
One thing’s for sure, South Africa will be well represented in the expensive seats as Ulster captain Johann Muller revealed earlier this week that he, Ruan Pienaar and Pedrie Wannenburg all have family coming over.
“It’s cheaper to fly from South Africa than it is from Belfast,” said Brian McLaughlin.
Ulster are rank outsiders, but Leinster fans are already tempting fate. A number of ’2012 European Champions’ t-shirts were doing the rounds on Twitter yesterday.
We asked Heineken Cup winners Andy Ward and Bernard Jackman what they thought and both predictably went for their home province to win out. We assume you’ll do the same, so let’s see some score predictions in there.
“I think kicking is going to play a key part and discipline is going to be a massive thing for both sides.” Said Ward, “I don’t think it’s going to be a try- fest, there might be one or two tries, but ultimately it’s going to come down to the kicking. So with that in mind I’m going to say 21-15 to Ulster.”
Jackman was straight to the point with a fitting scoreline: “20-12 to Leinster.”
But never mind them lads, what do you think? Let us know in the comment section below…
Leinster are playing the best rugby in Europe right now and are an example of how the Irish team should play….Leinster to win by 10!! Ulster will put up a good fight though.
For the record… there were also some Ulster 2012 Winners T-shirts going around, so hopefully Fate will stay out of this one and leave it to the players.
I would never disrespect any team that made it to the final but it’s hard to look past Leinster. It was a pleasant surprise when Ulster made it to the final, not so with Leinster. Leinster have been in the hunt the last few years with the success to prove it. Ulster have not. I hope it’s an amazing game but for me the title will go to Leinster.
As an Ulsterman living in Dublin I fully expect to have a heart attack while watching the game. Please God both teams play superb rugby and the match is decided by skill not luck. May the best team (in white) win.
Leinster by 7+
Ulster have been magnificent to get this far, in particular beating Munster on their own patch, but Leinster will have learned from the game against Clermont that they can’t sit back and wait for Ulster to come at them.
A strong start from Ulster and we will have an epic game.
I think a lot of people are expecting Leinster to walk away with this but Ulster didn’t get to a Heineken Cup final for being any push overs. I think and hope it will be tight game but Leinster to win by 5. COME ON LEINSTER!!!!!
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A dream final for Irish rugby. No complaints!
Leinster to win. Looking forward to a good match
I see Ulster putting up a great fight before Leinster pull away in the last 20 to win by 15.
I agree
Well done Katie Taylor
ulster to win.
LEINSTER TO WIN
Leinster are playing the best rugby in Europe right now and are an example of how the Irish team should play….Leinster to win by 10!! Ulster will put up a good fight though.
Ulster! Ulster!
Head says Leinster, Heart says Leinster. I hope Ulster have nothing to say about it! Great achievement to have an all Irish final.
I would dearly love to see Ulster take it.
I can just see the BBC and SKY headlines: “British team victorious in taking Heineken cup title” :)
***Newsflash***
Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan now reside in the recently formed Free State of Ireland
For the record… there were also some Ulster 2012 Winners T-shirts going around, so hopefully Fate will stay out of this one and leave it to the players.
just woke up in twickenham! looking forward to a great final but I think leinster just have enough to edge it!
Jammy fecker.
Should be tight. Leinster should edge it although you can’t rule out the fighting spirit of ulster.
I would never disrespect any team that made it to the final but it’s hard to look past Leinster. It was a pleasant surprise when Ulster made it to the final, not so with Leinster. Leinster have been in the hunt the last few years with the success to prove it. Ulster have not. I hope it’s an amazing game but for me the title will go to Leinster.
As an Ulsterman living in Dublin I fully expect to have a heart attack while watching the game. Please God both teams play superb rugby and the match is decided by skill not luck. May the best team (in white) win.
Leinster by 7+
Ulster have been magnificent to get this far, in particular beating Munster on their own patch, but Leinster will have learned from the game against Clermont that they can’t sit back and wait for Ulster to come at them.
A strong start from Ulster and we will have an epic game.
Suftum
Leinster to shade it in a tight encounter. Come on Leinster!!
I think a lot of people are expecting Leinster to walk away with this but Ulster didn’t get to a Heineken Cup final for being any push overs. I think and hope it will be tight game but Leinster to win by 5. COME ON LEINSTER!!!!!
Leinster 15 Ulster 6
@jimbrady…
Tel SKY & BBC that.