Heineken Cup: Leinster v Northampton

John McMurtry

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May 21, 2011

ER Champions Cup, Provincial Rugby Men, Ulster Rugby Men

Recent encounters with Ulster give us an insight into today’s final and there could be no better judges as to how today’s Heineken Cup is going to turn out than the team who’s own hopes of silverware were dashed by both these sides over recent weeks.

A ten point win against Ulster by Northampton and an average of 12 point victories for Leinster in the last two encounters indicates that this game is going to be close and that certainly seems to be the way that most pundits are going, eventually falling on the side of a narrow win for our Mexican cousins. Our own Predictions League pundits, and there’s no finer bunch, have been a bit more forceful in their decision with an overwhelming 85% going for the “Boys in Blue” but based on the recent matches against Ulster, I’m genuinely sorry to say, I can’t see past Northampton for this one.

Regular readers will know that I’m not a fan of the Aviva Premiership, regarding it as an overhyped outlet for over pumped bullyboys generally low on match smarts, and for all their admirable qualities, Northampton would be the embodiment of the . . .

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2 responses to “Heineken Cup: Leinster v Northampton”

rocky

May 21, 2011

I think the big difference will be between the back rows, John. Also, Leinster will have too much quality throughout the team (as long as Drico does play and lasts for an hour or more). The Saints midfield looks relatively weak to me and even the back three of Leinster may be better. As you say, they just have to make sure to get enough ball throughout the game and they should win – but I agree it will be close. And a big shout out for Quins (and Clancy) for beating the Gougers last night.
Cheers,

Rocky.

Reply
1. John
  
  May 21, 2011
  
  Yep, well done to Quins though I found it hard to get past the personalities in that one with both gougers and James “The Prick” Haskell up against the overrated Care, Easter and Monye! It does give Leinster reason to be confident though as Quins scored their try despite being well out gunned up front for all of the second half.
  
  Reply