BASKING in the glory of last weekend's remarkable triumph, the jokes have been flying around Leinster this week ahead of this evening's Magners League Grand Final clash with Munster at a sold-out Thomond Park (5.05).

One particularly cruel one involved the Drug Squad being called to Thomond Park yesterday only for the crisis to be averted when it was established that the suspicious white powder on the pitch was in fact the Leinster tryline.

The most remarkable statistic heading into this latest instalment in one of the most compelling rivalries in rugby is that Munster have not managed to cross the Leinster line in their last six meetings, failing to score a try since Denis Fogarty managed the feat back in April 2009. Not to be sniffed at.

It is rendered all the more puzzling by Munster's average of two tries per game during their regular season league campaign (44 in 22 matches) as they worked their way impressively to a record 13-point margin at the head of the table.

Leinster's defensive surety has been the bedrock upon which this season's success has been constructed, with last Saturday's three-try collapse in the first half of the Heineken Cup final against Northampton an aberration, swiftly put to bed in the second half when they did not concede a single point.

However, those events could provide a clue as to how things will unfold in Limerick a week later. Northampton profited from Leinster not being at the races in that first period, seemingly unnerved by the big-day pressure and their status as overwhelming favourites. They take to the pitch today as the stronger side seeking to become the first team to complete a Magners-Heineken double.

The question marks centre on their psychological state for, no matter how hard they try to maintain their mental focus for the final chapter of a long season, getting to the same level of intensity they had in the second half against Northampton is a major challenge. Cardiff is a hard act to follow.

For Munster, the psychological test is far simpler. Conclude the season with a trophy which recognises both their league consistency and determination to remain a major force in European rugby regardless of their Heineken and Challenge Cup disappointments this season.

It is safe to assume that, with two weeks of solitary focus behind them, Tony McGahan's men will be at full tilt this evening, just as they were when willpower drove them to victory in their April meeting with Leinster at the same venue.

The problem is that, even if Leinster are at 75pc, the visitors still have the capacity to produce spells of rugby that can leave any team clutching at air and, in keeping with his selections all season, Joe Schmidt has picked a clever side for his last outing in a stunning debut season.

Gordon D'Arcy was not available to start in any case, but Fergus McFadden's selection at inside-centre provides him with the ideal opportunity to send out a powerful message to Ireland coach Declan Kidney as the clock ticks down to the World Cup.

Similarly, Shane Jennings is rewarded for his critical contributions to Leinster's victories in the semi-final and final of the Heineken Cup and if he manages to help effect superiority at the breakdown against Ireland's incumbent No 7, David Wallace, it will give Kidney further food for thought.

Heinke van der Merwe is of no use to Kidney, but, while the South African is not as dynamic as Cian Healy in the loose, he is an accomplished scrummager and his performance could provide an insight to John Hayes' capacity to play a role at New Zealand 2011.

McGahan has stuck with the side that ground its way past the Ospreys in the semi-final, which means Danny Barnes, the two-try hero that day, suddenly finds himself marking Brian O'Driscoll, the best centre of his generation.

Barnes and Lifeimi Mafi face a massive defensive test against the Leinster midfield and the tackles need to go in hard and, in Mafi's case, low enough to prevent yellow cards.

There is talent in the Munster backline, and the back-three play since the return of Felix Jones from injury has shown what can be done with the right combination of belief and attacking brio.

However, Schmidt is among the foremost backline innovators in the game and Munster do not have his coaching equivalent, making it harder to end the try-scoring famine that has hindered them in this fixture.

If Marcus Horan and Hayes can provide a steady scrum and Damien Varley takes advantage of Munster's extra height at line-out time, then it is game on.

The Final Trial element to the clash provides extra incentive for both teams and, if McFadden and Jennings will be bulling for Leinster, then it is safe to say Wallace, James Coughlan, Donnacha Ryan, Conor Murray and Jones will be equally ferocious for the hosts.

Then there is the Ronan O'Gara factor. The out-half will have watched Jonathan Sexton's tour de force in Cardiff with a wry smile for it used to be O'Gara doing the Roy Of the Rovers bit in the Heineken Cup (he was voted the best player of the first 15 years of the competition) and garnering the plaudits afterwards.

Predictions are hazardous in the extreme. Leinster are the better side, but face the greater mental challenge, Munster have last-chance-saloon intensity and a stronger bench, but not the capacity to cope if Schmidt's men hit battle speed.

Expect a furious contest, O'Gara and Coughlan to play key roles for the home side, along with McFadden and Jennings for the guests and very little in it come the final whistle, which may just herald a narrow Leinster win.

Of course, if Munster do manage it, the joke is on Leinster's fans as their red counterparts can revel in the glory of beating the best team in Europe. We'll see.

Verdict: Leinster

- Hugh Farrelly

Irish Independent

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)

IRELAND'S top international players will be available to play for their provinces in the first two rounds of the Magners League which kicks off next week.

Last season, under the Player Management Scheme, Ireland front-liners such as Ronan O'Gara and Jamie Heaslip did not play until round four of the Celtic competition at the end of September. However, the Ireland management say that, while the approach is different, the objective of having their top players play between 26 and 32 games a season remains the same. "The big difference this year is that most of the international players will be available to play in Magners League (week) One and then there are seven or eight other internationals who will start Magners League Two," said Ireland manager Paul McNaughton.

"The programme is very similar to last year, making sure the players who are playing the most football, which is the international players, have rest periods.

"The approach is different but the objective is the same: we want players in good shape at the end of the season."

The doctor involved in English rugby's fake blood scandal admitted yesterday that she cut the lip of Harlequins winger Tom Williams after he pretended to be injured in a Heineken Cup match last year. Williams had bitten on a capsule of fake blood to force a late blood replacement substitution.

His departure allowed specialist goalkicker Nick Evans to take the field in his place to try to kick a winning drop goal.

The player told a disciplinary hearing that he had become 'extremely panicked' and twice asked club doctor Wendy Chapman to cut him after officials questioned his apparent injury.

Mary O'Rourke, representing Dr Chapman, said she had made the incision with a stitch cutter.

Ospreys wing Tommy Bowe has been named player of the season at the Magners League Awards for his efforts in helping the Welsh side win the 2009/10 title. Ireland star Bowe, 26, said: "This is a great honour, especially as the votes have come from players in the Magners League."

Leinster out-half Jonathan Sexton will continue his World Cup duel with Ronan O'Gara when Munster travel to the Aviva Stadium in what promises to be an encounter of savage intensity one month into the Magners League on the first Saturday in October.

The individual head-to-head is as competitive as ever: "Leinster are playing Munster here before the internationals, so that will be a chance for a couple of the out-halfs that might be in contention to get a few kicks," said Sexton.

The predominantly white and glass backdrop at the north-side end could make it difficult for the prospective kickers. It will provide another layer of pressure for two players eager to impress Declan Kidney ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"I haven't seen it with the posts up. I've heard you can't really see the posts. That was before the first game here (the combined provinces match) but the lads didn't have a problem kicking into them. I am sure the first couple of times will be a bit strange. But you get used to it," he added.

It is clear from the Leinster players that coach Joe Schmidt will return the responsibility for decision-making to the players ahead of the first pre-season match against London Wasps at Donnybrook on Friday evening. He will ask them to take hold of a game in a way they, perhaps, did not do last season.

"We've learned a lot already in the time he has been here. Training has been different and refreshing. Obviously, we are working off his ideas and game plan and structures. It has been brilliant -- a breath of fresh air," said Sexton.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll spoke of his intentional decision not to attend any grand opening of the stadium. He was genuinely impressed at the magnificence of Ireland's new home.

"It is hugely exciting. You can't imagine what the old Lansdowne looked like when you see the Aviva down at pitch level. It is going to be fantastic when we get the opportunity to run out here," said O'Driscoll. "I purposely haven't been shown around the place because I wanted it to be exciting for the first time I got to come down here, whether it be for Leinster or Ireland."

The Irish captain will get to sample a full Aviva for Leinster and Ireland before Christmas, if he can stay free from injury, given that Leinster CEO Mick Dawson confirmed the coup of playing two marquee matches against Munster in the Magners League (Saturday, October 2) and Clermont-Auvergne in the Heineken Cup (Saturday, December 18).

"Leinster have enjoyed many outstanding moments in Lansdowne Road down through the years and we are confident that this double-header will kick-start an exciting new era for the province," said Dawson.

"We were proud to stage 'The Last Stand' against Ulster in December 2006 and we are grateful to the IRFU for enabling us to use this outstanding facility. Obviously, we remain committed long-term to the RDS, a real fortress for the team and our loyal supporters.

"But the move for these two games to the Aviva presents an enormous opportunity for those who can't readily access tickets to top-class rugby across the province.

"At the moment, it wouldn't be our intention to play any more games in the Aviva. We think two is about right. We want to fill it on both occasions. It is important, from a players' perspective, that we get it full.

"We're optimistic, with the market research we have done. If we fill it for the Munster match, the people who come here will have a good atmosphere -- the team will hopefully be going well.

"We have a plan. Obviously, Clermont won't bring too many people with them whereas Munster will probably take their quota, which is 8,000-9,000 tickets.

"The RDS is still our home. We are committed to them. We have a long-term agreement with them. We have a 20-year arrangement with The RDS. We have a break clause after 10 years. The RDS understand what we are trying to do.

"In the long term, we could knock down the Anglesea Stand and improve that stadium there and get it up to about 23,000-24,000 which is probably about right," insisted Dawson.

It is a long-term plan that will only be realised through short-term success. The season hasn't even started and the pressure is already on.

- Des Berry

A while back someone suggested that we make a compilation video featuring flyhalf Ronan O’Gara’s defensive fluffs over the years. It’s possibly a bit random for this time of the season, but a RD user sent this amusing video in so I figured I’d post it for a laugh ahead of the weekend.

Despite being one of the best number tens in world rugby for many years, the Munster man has at times been somewhat of a liability in his defensive channel. Players and coaches know they can target him and the majority of the time, get over the gain line or at least provide an offload.

Ironically it’s perhaps somewhat of a testament to the courage of the man that he has, as the song says, got up again after all the big knocks, including the unfortunate role he played in the Lions series last year.

Whether it’s Pierre Spies or Jamie Heaslip, Jaque Fourie or even Shane Williams, they’ve all had a go at him, knocked him down, and he’s got back up. He was in fact recently named as the best European player of the last 15 years.

So while this clip is definitely having a go at his poor tackling and shows the big knocks he’s taken, there’s the underlying message that to be the best you’ve got to take the knocks, get back up, and do it all over again.

The song is going to be in your head for the next few hours. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

IRELAND out-half Ronan O'Gara believes that he might have been better served by sitting out Ireland's ill-fated tour to the southern hemisphere earlier this summer.

O'Gara started Ireland's first Test against the All Blacks where he was sin-binned during the 66-28 defeat before losing his place to Jonathan Sexton for the remaining defeats against New Zealand Maori and Australia.

And with a World Cup on the horizon at the end of the coming season, O'Gara (33) revealed that he would have preferred some time off after his Munster commitments ended last season.

"You always want to be playing for Ireland against the best teams in the world, but, in my case, I would have liked to have gone on holidays after we lost to Leinster (in the Magners League)," said the Cork man.

attack

"It would have been great if I could have had the four weeks off back then and had a long pre-season and really attack this season, but I was informed there was a full-strength team going so that was my decision made for me.

"I was happy to go out there but as it turned out I didn't play well and I lost my place for the Australia game. That's the way it goes and you just get on with it then.

"I had one brief discussion (with Declan Kidney, about sitting out the tour) but it doesn't work like that.

"You never want to turn down the opportunity of playing for Ireland and that was always there. I was trying to weigh up the decision in my head and I had mixed feelings myself about it.

"I was happy to go and give it all but I didn't play well against the All Blacks, and Ireland didn't play well, so you're watching for the rest of the tour and you feel like it's a bit of a waste of time. But you have to take your medicine when it comes to you."

- Donnchadh Boyle

Irish Independent