Leinster have class for double bonanza

FAVOURITISM is a role that has rarely suited Irish rugby teams and that’s a reason why Leinster will need to be on their guard as they face two major finals in eight days starting with the Heineken Cup decider against Northampton in Cardiff on Saturday.

A week later, they take on Munster in the Magners League final at Thomond Park with all current indications pointing to a magnificent double for Leo Cullen’s side. 24 hours after a cautious Leinster disposed of Ulster with reasonable comfort in the first Magners semi-final, the Northampton Saints were tumbling to defeat against Leicester in the semi-final of the English Premiership.

Given that Leinster saw off Leicester in the Heineken Cup quarter-final in convincing fashion, that clearly suggests there should only be one result in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.