Leinster show how to play the ref

BEFORE we move onto the mouthwatering prospect of a spectacular season finale in Thomond Park on Saturday, I have to go back to what proved a truly absorbing contest in Cardiff last weekend.

As a venue, I have never been too enamoured with Cardiff; it’s difficult to get to, streets, bars, restaurants crammed with people; Cardiff airport....well let’s just say it struggles to cope with occasions such as a Heineken Cup final.

Notwithstanding those shortcomings, once you’re sitting in your Millennium Stadium seat, there is no rugby venue in the world that comes close to replicating the atmosphere, noise and sense of inclusiveness that this great sporting arena generates. The old Cardiff Arms Park was an awesome place to play but I would imagine this place is even better.