Humphreys happy with underdogs tag

Having struggled to perform to their best as favourites in Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final, Ulster’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys is happy for his side to wear the underdog tag heading into the final against Leinster.

A first half Pedrie Wannenburg try and a brilliant kicking display from Ruan Pienaar was enough for Ulster to see off the challenge of Edinburgh and make their first Heineken Cup final since winning the tournament in 1999.

Former Ulster and Ireland outhalf Humphreys knows Ulster will need to raise their game considerably when they meet Leinster in the final.

"We ground out a win at the Aviva Stadium against Edinburgh but that won't be good enough when we face Leinster,” he said.

“They'll certainly be the hot favourites but we're content with the underdogs tag."

Joe Schmidt’s Leinster team enjoyed a relatively comfortable path through to the semi-final but a hard fought 19-15 win over Clermont Auvergne in Bordeaux proved the defending champions are as hungry as ever.

With Leinster looking to win back to back European titles Humphreys admits they are the team to beat in the competition.

"Leinster have shown over the last few seasons through both their League and Heineken Cup performances that they are not only the best but also the most consistent team in Europe.

"Whatever the final result, the prospect of an all-Ireland Heineken Cup final at Twickenham is mouth-watering for rugby fans and particularly Irish rugby fans.

“Ulster Leinster is one of the oldest rivalries in the game and on the 19th May we'll have two teams who know each other so well, lining out for European rugby's biggest prize.”