Another Historic Leinster Success

Okay, so a few scoffers might snigger that it's 'only' the Amlin Challenge Cup, the rugby union answer to the Europa League, but Leinster have followed in the illustrious footsteps of another team in blue, Chelsea, by winning Europe's premier club competition in May 2012 and then having to settle for Europe's consolation cup in May 2013.

Even those of us non-Leinster folk have to raise our glasses (or spectacles) and toast a milestone triumph for Leinster. They have made history by becoming the first Irish or Scottish team to win the European Challenge Cup.

Of course it was a humbling experience for the European champions to exit the group stage of this year's Heineken Cup, but the guys swallowed their pride, consumed their humble pie, and set about emphatically dismantling London Wasps, Biarritz, and finally Stade Francais to ensure that the trophy cabinet doesn't get too empty. It should also be stated in Leinster's defence that they narrowly came up short against Clermont Auvergne in their group tussles. It was just their misfortune to be drawn in the same group as one of Europe's top two teams.

Regarding the final itself at the RDS, the men in blue outscored their Parisian opponents to the tune of four converted tries to one converted try en route to a 34-13 triumph. Jonny Sexton weighed in with six successful kicks at goal (including three penalties) in his penultimate match for his province.

This latest conquest also appears to have put paid to the myth that Leinster will not be the same force when Brian O'Driscoll permanently leaves the stage. Well, Leinster will be boosted by O'Driscoll's recent decision to contribute to the cause for a further twelve months, but in truth, this European superpower boasts considerable strength in depth, and one can easily imagine this province remaining a European force long after D'Arcy, O'Driscoll, and Sexton have vacated the premises.

All that remains now is the small matter of a cross-border skirmish with the rugby warriors of Ulster next Saturday afternoon at the same venue. This Pro12 Final may be a repeat of last May's Heineken Cup final, but that is where the comparisons end. This current Ulster unit will not be a pushover and should present a more formidable challenge than that of the declining force of Stade Francais. Whilst the Parisians are now bereft of the quality players of a few years ago, Sergio Parisse excepted, Ulster are overflowing with talented players.

Which Leinster team will turn up against Ulster? The potentially rampant machine that could put forty points on the board or the one which staggered unconvincingly over the finishing line last week against Glasgow? The scene is set for an almighty showdown on May the 25th. Bring it on, and may it prove a good audition for Ireland players present and future as well as a good, thrilling commercial for Oirish rugby, weather permitting!