The Perfect Storm

As far as Donncha O’Callaghan is concerned, the end of this 2010/2011 season couldn’t have been scripted any better.

Munster versus Leinster in the title decider in a packed Thomond Park Stadium, and to make matters even better, Leinster arriving as the newly crowned European champions and the bookies favourites.

“Look what more could you ask for”, he wondered after training in CIT. “From everyone’s point of view ?”

“For supporters it’s a fabulous way to end the season and I’m sure Magners must be thrilled to see the two of us in the final. I think as well it just goes to show the credibility of this competition, the sides that finish first and second playing each other in the final.”

“And from the players side it’s the sort of match up that everyone wants to play in. It’s games like this make all the hard work in training worthwhile. I feel privileged to be running out tomorrow because there’ll be lads (squad members) in the stand who’d give their eye teeth to be playing.”

“It's a massive game for both sides really. For us there's the opportunity to win silverware and end the season on a high note and of course having run away with the League part, we'd like to cap it off with a trophy.”

“They certainly won't want to mark the start of their reign as European champions with a defeat and take that into next season. So there's huge expectation on both sides.”

“But as I said these are the sort of games everyone wants to play in. It's going to be tough. I heard Joe Schmidt saying it'll be tougher for them than the Northampton game and we'll certainly do our level best to fulfill his expectations.”