Glasgow Warriors stand in the way of fitting farewell to the ultimate warrior

How appropriate the two sides finishing first and second in the regular season contest the Guinness Pro 12 final in Belfast next Saturday. Like the league, both semi-finals went to the wire with a single score separating the teams after two great clashes over the weekend.

The final itself between table-topping Glasgow Warriors and Munster takes on even further relevance for the Irish side as it now appears certain that Paul O’Connell will don his beloved No 5 Munster shirt for the 174th and final time. Even the most partisan Ulster supporters who had already bought their tickets in anticipation of the province making the decider should be moved to row in behind the iconic Munster second row.

O’Connell’s salute to the crowd after this epic contest appeared to carry more that just the traditional salute to fans after a season of dedicated support but more of a thanks for the memories.