A victory without danger is a triumph without glory - Pierre CorneilleThe Heineken cup final looms large. An "All Ireland" final for the very first time. There is no doubt that glory awaits the victor. Danger lurks at every corner, on every blade of grass.
Leinster are the overwhelming favourites, but it would be foolhardy to write off Ulster. Their progress over the last two seasons has been hugely impressive. They are more than worth their place in the final. How many other teams would navigate their way past Leicester and Clermont in the pool stages whilst overthrowing Munster at Thomond Park in the process to make the final?
In Craig Gilroy and Andrew Trimble they have outside backs who have been in great form all year. Furthermore Ruan Pienaar has been sensational for Ulster. He has portrayed true nerve and coolness all season and has directed Ulster superbly.
His pack however will need to give him a massive platform if they are to overcome Leinster. The South Africans Pedrie Wannenburg and Johann Muller have given Ulster a harder edge whilst John Afoa is immensely powerful around the pitch.
The battle of the back rows will be seismic and greatly fascinating. Chris Henry was outstanding in the quarter final against Munster. Expect him to fight for every inch at the breakdown against Jamie Heaslip who has been in good form this year.
However the battle between Sean O'Brien and Steven Ferris will be worth the flights, beer and match tickets alone. Ferris has been like a wild bear this season whilst Sean O'Brien had his best game all year against Clermont.
As ever Leinster will look to Johnny Sexton to orchestrate proceedings. With Brian O'Driscoll and the ridicuoulsly in form Rob Kearney outside him Leinster have a huge armoury to choose from.
I would be more than surprised if Ulster don't at the very least turn up for this contest. They will throw everything at Leinster. They have a good set of backs and a big, strong pack. In Ruan Pienaar they have someone who can produce world class plays. It would probably be enough to defeat any other team.
Leinster though are on a mission. Should they win it would be back to back titles as well as a third success in four years. They are truly a phenomenal side. When the going gets tough they will roll up the sleeves and show their undoubted class and quality just when they need to.
Indeed it promises to be a wonderful game of rugby as Twickenham will be awash with Irish people. Glory awaits the team who is triumphant.
Prediction : Leinster by 8
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