If you could have scripted a fixture to crown the season, this would most definitely have been it. And if anyone out there thinks that there is a single member of the new European champions dreading the trek to Limerick, then think again.

They could well lose this afternoon, but every single Leinster player will be licking his lips at the prospect of this Magners League Grand Final showdown at Thomond Park.

This is tribal rivalry at its very best -- a fixture where form is meaningless, where passion rules.

For Tony McGahan and Munster, it is a heaven-sent opportunity to turn over the top team in Europe and take the Magners League crown they clearly deserve, given that they finished 13 points clear in the table.

For Leinster coach Joe Schmidt, opportunity knocks to create history and complete the fairytale double in his first season in charge.

And then there is Ireland coach Declan Kidney, for whom the most perfect unofficial final trial unfolds before a full house, with a no-holds-barred encounter set to shed light on some World Cup selections.

Schmidt is right when he calls the Celtic final a much "tougher test" than the Heineken Cup decider. That is no slight on Northampton, just a statement of fact, given the ingredients.

Jealous

Munster are fresh, hungry and jealous -- as well as high on confidence, given their one-point win (24-23) in the home league fixture six weeks ago.

The fact that they didn't score a try and haven't in half a dozen attempts against their old rivals (an extraordinary statistic) may rankle, but they won't care a jot if Ronan O'Gara kicks them to victory this evening.

The Heineken Cup final was a classic, the best I have witnessed, but this evening's Celtic encounter also has all the right ingredients for a monumental encounter. It should replicate Cardiff for thrills and spills, with an intensity that is absolutely guaranteed.

The one-try game back in April was pure theatre and, irrespective of the outcome, I would settle for that again. One way or the other, we won't be disappointed -- take that as read.

So, what exactly can we expect?

A Leinster side that wants to win is coming to Limerick with the intention of ransacking a Munster side that has to win. With 19 victories from 22 games in the regular league, the best team over the course of the marathon campaign is desperate to complete the job now.

I have mixed views on the play-off formula. When it was first introduced to the All-Ireland League, I felt it was unfair that the team that had proven it was the best, by finishing top of the table, had to win it again -- to be sure, to be sure.

The play-off system is now part and parcel of the professional game. It is not so much a necessary evil as an extension to the long-term planning when the initial team goals are set.

To draw comparison with long-distance running, it's about pacing, about planning for the season and selecting teams throughout the campaign (in regular league and play-offs) accordingly.

What is beyond dispute is that the two best teams in the competition by a mile (those finishing first and second in the table) have made it through to today's finale, with Munster deserving of home advantage.

The attendance would have been doubled if the final had been switched to the Aviva Stadium, but that would have been unfair in the extreme -- unless the decision is made that the Grand Final should always be held in a predetermined venue (much like the Heineken).

We won't bother going through all the obvious unit and individual match-ups -- they are old hat at this stage. But, for some, the stakes are extremely high, given the switch in focus after today to New Zealand 2011.

Marcus Horan, Damien Varley, James Coughlan and Felix Jones all have a chance to lay down a World Cup marker.

For Leinster captain Leo Cullen, the stage is set to take on Donncha O'Callaghan and make it a case of either/or to partner Paul O'Connell in the second-row against the US Eagles in the World Cup opener.

Shane Horgan, Luke Fitzgerald and Fergus McFadden (who edges closer by the game) can all further their case for a place on the plane. So, too, Shane Jennings, whose half-time introduction at the Millennium Stadium last week certainly played a part in Leinster's remarkable turnaround.

He and Denis Leamy have so much to play for beyond the 'mere' result this afternoon. But make no mistake, the result is the be all and end all to putting the cap on this fulfilling Irish rugby season.

And please may we be spared the hype of heaping more pressure on the relatively young shoulders of Jonathan Sexton in advocating him for future captaincy.

He has enough on his plate, as O'Gara will be reminding him again, without this pressure at a still premature stage in his burgeoning career. In a sense, current Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll did him few favours with his throwaway line in the post-match interview last week about half-time speakers.

Sexton's focus is on copper-fastening his hold on the Ireland No 10 jersey and that's what he will do in ensuring a steady Leinster course by deeds not words today. It is his way and I doubt he will deviate one iota.

As to the outcome? Both teams will turn up with equal mindsets. If each delivers to form, then Leinster's greater creativity could see them home.

It should be something special. Bring it on.

- Tony Ward

Irish Independent

02nd November 2010 10:45

Fitzgerald: Back for Ireland

Ireland have been boosted by the return of several key players for Saturday's November Test opener against South Africa at Aviva Stadium.

The biggest change comes on the wing where British and Irish Lions' ace Luke Fitzgerald returns to the international side for the first time in 12 months.

Fitzgerald, who last played for Ireland against Australia last November, joins Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney in the back three.

Skipper Brian O'Driscoll has been passed fit to start having recovered from a hamstring injury and will be partnered in midfield by Gordon D'Arcy.

Eoin Reddan has got the nod for the number nine jersey over the vastly experienced Peter Stringer, while Rory Best starts at hooker.

Ulsterman Best missed the June tour to New Zealand and Australia with an ankle injury but he will partner props Tony Buckley and Cian Healey.

In the back row, Stephen Ferris, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip will look to form a formidable-looking unit.

Kicking king Ronan O'Gara has to settle for a place on the bench, though, with Jonathan Sexton preferred at fly-half.

"I feel good and I'm looking forward to the team coming back to what is essentially our home," said O'Driscoll, who will play his first game in four weeks.

"We've enjoyed our time at Croke Park but now we want to make some memories at the new stadium.

"It would have been disappointing to miss the first game at the new Aviva so I'm looking forward to playing."

Ireland: 15 Robert Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Tony Buckley, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Keith Earls.

Date: Saturday, November 6
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Brice Lawrence (New Zealand), Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Television match official: Hugh Watkins (Wales)

 

He's back! Denis Leamy

Club name Munster

- 2010/11 Season Preview -

Last season It was a trophy-less campaign for the Red Army in 2009/10 as they were dumped out of both Magners League and Heineken Cup at the semi-final stage. How different it could have been? Losing the influential Denis Leamy due to injury while Jerry Flannery was also ruled out more than he was playing was a blow, but in patches Munster were lethal with ball in-hand. Their Pool win away to Perpignan was a major highlight.

This season Munster have definitely strengthened their squad during the off-season with the arrivals of Johne Murphy, Sam Tuitupou and Wian du Preez set to compete against Ian Dowling, Lifeimi Mafi and Marcus Horan respectively. I would not rule them out of completing a double this year as they now possess depth all over the field that Tony McGahan can chop and change with. However, they have been dealt a tough Pool of which to get out of, alongside London Irish, Toulon and yes, they will meet the Ospreys again. But you can never write off these men from Munster.

Coach: Tony McGahan had some serious shoes to fill when Declan Kidney assumed the seat left by Eddie O'Sullivan. His first term in charge was impressive as Munster lifted the Magners League but he will be wanting to improve in his third following those recent painful knockout exits.

Captain: The absence of Paul O'Connell of course hit Munster as they crashed out of both Europe and the Magners League at the semi-final stage, to Biarritz and Leinster respectively. But after a decent rest, the 2009 Lions captain should be raring to go alongside Donncha O'Callaghan.

One to watch: Denis Leamy's return to fitness is a major boost for Munster as they really missed him last term. He will once again slot into a back-row line-up of David Wallace and Alan Quinlan while the impact of former Worcester centre Sam Tuitupou, linking up alongside Keith Earls or Lifeimi Mafi, and the form of Tony Buckley during June will also excite the Red Army going into 2010/11.

In: Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers), Sam Tuitupou (Worcester Warriors), Wian Du Preez (Cheetahs), Peter Borlase (Crusaders), Corey Hircock (Bedford).

Out: Nick Williams (Aironi Rugby), Jeremy Manning (Newcastle Falcons), Julien Brugnaut (Racing Metro), Jean de Villiers (Stormers), Ciaran O'Boyle (Released), Eoghan Grace (Exeter Chiefs).

Home ground: Thomond Park - capacity of 26,500

Travel connections: The closest train station to Thomond Park Stadium is Colbert Station, Limerick. Colbert station is in Limerick City and also contains the Bus Eireann bus station.The closest airport to Thomond Park is Shannon Airport. This is approximately 25km from Limerick City. Regular bus services connect the airport to Limerick.

Ireland will host a training camp today for the players who were unavailable to tour Australia and New Zealand.

Head coach Declan Kidney has called for the meet-up at the Johnstown House Hotel in Enfield, Co Meath, to keep his injured troops up to speed ahead of the autumn series in November.

And Ireland and Munster No 8 Denis Leamy -- who is set to return following a seven-month lay-off with a knee injury -- has hailed Kidney for his approach with the World Cup only 14 months away.

Leamy (28) said: "It's nice to be kept involved by Declan and it's great news to be given the call to join up. He's an excellent communicator and it's a major strength. You always feel wanted and part of the squad. It's good to be kept in the loop.

"But I know I have to get in the Munster team first before I think about playing for Ireland again."

Leamy will be joined by the likes Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris and Luke Fitzgerald as Ireland aim to get back on track following summer defeats to New Zealand, the Maoris and Australia.

Irish Independent

Ireland number eight Denis Leamy has revealed that he feared for his playing future after suffering a severe knee injury during a Test last November.

The Munster back-row forward, who sustained the seven-month problem when playing against Fiji, said it was a horrible feeling knowing how long the road back to full fitness will be.

"Having a long-term injury is very depressing and it is difficult going through the rehabilitation," said Leamy, speaking to the Irish Independent.

"As a rugby player, being out for seven months is a huge time away from the game. But you have to be positive and say it's only an injury as I know it is difficult times for people in Ireland with the recession.

"We are lucky with the support we have at Munster and the fact that we have good, secure jobs was one big motivation to come back for me.

"I did study Sports Science for two years but rugby is really all I know. If I'd had to retire, I would have gone back to college to finish my degree as jobs are hard to come by in the work force. Of course, there were times when I went to the gym and felt like turning back around.

"But I know it will be all worthwhile when I'm back playing for Munster and Ireland again. I have a great job and I want to play for as long as possible."

On his impending return to action, Leamy has already eyed the region's Magners League opener against the competition new boys Aironi as his comeback in six weeks time.

"I'm not quite 100 per cent but I'm getting there. I only started running six weeks ago but it's good to be back," he said.

"I'm no stranger to being on the sidelines and it is frustrating. The amount of time and then the boredom of having to stick to a programme made this the most difficult of all the injuries.

"But I've managed to dig it out and all the hard work seems to have paid off. It's a massive lift for me to be back in training. My aim is to start the season."

Munster will be without centre Lifeimi Mafi for the opening stages of next season after the Tongan-born player underwent shoulder surgery.

The 28-year-old hard-running back had the operation last Tuesday for an injury that has been troubling him throughout 2009/10.

Other than that, news concerning Munster's long-term injuries are positive with Denis Leamy (knee), Donnacha Ryan (shoulder), Darragh Hurley (eye), Felix Jones (neck) and Barry Murphy (leg) all expected to be fit and available for the province's opening pre-season match against Leicester on Friday, August 20.

Prop Hurley, who sustained an eye tear that subsequently became infected, has been cleared by medics to take full part in training.

Ireland internationals Leamy and Ryan are both recovering well from their injuries and are expected to return with Hurley for pre-season training when it starts at the end of next month.

Murphy is still at the recovery stage but is also expected to report for full training then, while promising full-back Jones has taken part in the last couple of training sessions before season's end and should be cleared for full contact when pre-season begins.