Cherish what we have

WITH all of the posturing and brinkmanship going on at the moment between the Premiership rugby umbrella in England and the rest of the European participants, we should cherish this Heineken Cup while we have it. With just two seasons left on the existing accord, it is inevitable the current format will be tweaked, if only for the warring factions on all sides to save face. In the meantime, let’s enjoy what we have and concentrate on matters on the pitch.

As Leinster attempt to boldly go where no side has gone before and win a third cup on the trot, the question on the lips of all fans is: who can stop them?

Having emulated the feat of Leicester Tigers as the only side to successfully defend their crown, the prospect of rugby immortality now beckons for the boys in blue. With the final set for their second home at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the odds have shortened considerably. It is, however, a monumental challenge, one that will certainly activate the competitive juices of Brian O’Driscoll, Leo Cullen, Jamie Heaslip, Gordon D’Arcy, not to mention their meticulous coach Joe Schmidt.