Leinster can win cup again, says Racing star

RACING METRO’S English international full-back Dan Scarbrough predicts Leinster can claim their second Heineken Cup in May.

Leinster secured a bonus point 36-11 victory over Racing in Paris on Friday night and Scarbrough witnessed the strength and depth of the Irish province close up.

He admitted: “Leinster are strong everywhere. They have quality in every department and we saw how easily they make things happen; some of their tries against us were superb. They’ve very focused, very aware of what they’re trying to do and very capable in doing it.”

However, he has also warned against ruling champions Toulouse and Northampton out of the race for European glory.

“Northampton are very hot at the moment and while Toulouse don’t appear to be as hot, when they get hot they get very hot, don’t they? It’s going to be an interesting tournament but Leinster must now be one of the favourites.

“Of all of them, I’d go for Leinster because of the first-hand experience I have of them. But never write off Toulouse because they tend to be able to pull things out of a hat when required.”

Scarbrough believes that Brian O’Driscoll is playing some of the best rugby of his career despite turning 32 last week.

“One second I had him covered; then he was gone right past me,” he recalled. “Brian is sheer class, he runs some great lines and does as all great players do - he shows consistency.

“He always does the basics well, is a great and destructive defender and there were just so many cameos right throughout the match, things that seemed like little things but weren’t. The one thing that stood out for me was the try near the end because he actually went right past me; he cut an awesome line for that score.”