URC final the latest chapter in rivalry between Irish and South African rugby

2007 World Cup-winning Jake White was quick to elevate Leinster to the benchmark status and cite Cullen’s matchday squad as consisting of “23 internationals”.

MENTAL CHESS: Leinster and the Bulls spent the build-up to the URC final talking each other up. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

If ever there was an indication that Saturday’s decider will be played between the ears as much as it will be decided in the contact zone, it was the pre-match press conferences at Croke Park and the mental chess played between Leinster’s Leo Cullen and the Bulls’ Jake White.

After three seasons of upset knockout rounds and top seeds falling by the wayside, the URC finally has its strongest two teams from the regular season primed to go head to head in a potential blockbuster that further entrenches the burgeoning rivalry between Irish and South African rugby.