Leinster’s cutting edge should see Cullen lift cup again

All aboard then for a celebration of Irish club rugby, the like of which has never been seen before and, who knows, might not be seen again.

These are momentous times for the game on the island and the expected 82,000 crowd for today’s European decider at Twickenham marks the high-water mark of one country’s unique and enduring love affair with the Heineken Cup.

The expectation is that the day will end with Leo Cullen lifting the trophy for the third time in four seasons and it is an image that is difficult to dislodge after a week when every potential strength and weakness has been inspected and dissected.