Magners League Final: Munster v Leinster

Wow, another season almost over, where did it go to? While Ulster have made definite progress this season the two teams playing in today’s final still set the benchmark as to how far we have to progress, though one thing is certain if we can become the best team in Ireland we’ll be there, or there about, in Europe.

Reading down the team list and putting in Ulster players on head to heads I don’t think that Ulster are that far behind in terms of talent but you could say that about lots of sides. However, at this level where it really counts is in the heads of the players and it’s here were Ulster, and our home grown players in particular,  have to improve over the coming seasons.

Leinster should have their heads straight for this one, topped up with confidence after last weeks extraordinary comeback, and in the talent stakes they look to have a definite edge with Heaslip, O’Brien, Hines, Reddan, Sexton, O’Driscoll and Nacewa the men in form and, where appropriate, the men in control in the international set up. Quite simply, Leinster are at the top of their game and on paper they should win this one with something to spare.

Munster, like Leinster, went through the league season unbeaten at home, but it was on the road where they were the outstanding team losing only three games all season. However the bulk of those wins were low scoring affairs where [usually with the assistance of the referee] they smothered their opponents and took their points when on offer. Four of those away wins were by 3 points or less and all but one by 10 or less with their match against Glasgow being the only “high scoring” affair. If they are to be successful today it’s a smothering game they’ll have to implement as the are simply out-gunned in too many positions.

In my opinion most of Munster’s success in the league this season has come from their past glories as they are far from being the force their league dominance would indicate, a truth rammed home by their defeat against Harlequins. With Leinster they are up against a side which Munster’s past glories will inspire rather that discourage and with Owen’s as referee they have someone who will be more concerned about his World Cup positioning than conforming to the home support’s expectations.

Can’t see past a Leinster win, but it will be tight.

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