Duo can win through to all-Irish final
WITH the Guinness Premiership taking a well-earned break a week before the final round of matches, all eyes are on the Heineken Cup semi-finals – and what an exciting couple of ties we have to look forward to.
Munster are the old heads of European rugby. They boast quality players with experience and know how to win games as a unit.
The question remains, however, is for how long? Their average age is a little higher than other sides and there comes a time when a lack of mobility can make a difference and you begin to fall just short.
Biarritz could be the team to expose this on Sunday, but I think you would be a brave man to bet against the Irish side coming through.
Similarly, Leinster has been in this position many times before and must start as favourites against Toulouse on Saturday. Leinster may be the form side with the best defence, but they will find it difficult against the French outfit, who have quality players and can scare you on their day.
Sticking my neck out, I believe the champions will win through and get the chance to defend their title against their fiercest rivals in an all-Irish final at the Stade de France on 22 May.
As for our own plight at Saracens, Saturday’s fantastic 28-27 win at Northampton ensures our place in the end-of-season play-offs.
I was very proud of the guys at Franklin’s Gardens and will be looking for the same endeavour when we travel to Welford Road to face Leicester in the final game of the regular season next Saturday.