Ulster Can Do It

What a weekend we have in prospect. So many things to do and watch and all of us hoping that at least in the Heineken Cup final we can cheer home this gallant Ulster side. It will not be easy against the defending Champions and favourites Leinster. On paper you have to say the Dublin side are the form side and should win but what the hell. Hope springs eternal.

They did meet in the Pro 12 a few weeks back in Belfast and Leinster won that one 16-8 but I’m not sure that will have such a big bearing.

It is of course the final match for Ulster coach Brain McLaughlin. What a way to sign off. If he wins I can’t see him staying at Ravenhill. He will be off to coach elsewhere.

Here a few facts to digest. Leinster have scored 22 tries, 18 from the backs while Ulster have scored 17 tries, 13 from their backs. Rob Kearney has scored 6 tries for Leinster while Andrew Trimble has crossed the line four times for Ulster.

Great to talk about tries but the tone of the game will be set by the forwards. What a tussle we have in store. John Afoa, Tom Court and Rory Best versus Cian Healy,Richard Stauss and Mike Ross. The game might not be won there but it could be lost there if you know what I mean.

In ten out of the last twelve finals the winning margin has been less than seven points. I expect this to be close as well.