Bordeaux, the reigning champions, face Leinster, four-time winners, in a European final at San Mames in Bilbao. Leinster are making a ninth final appearance but have lost four finals since their last European title in the same city and stadium. Bordeaux are slight favourites, though arguments exist for either side to win after 80 minutes in hot conditions. Leo Cullen has guided a squad that built form after disruptions caused by many players joining the Lions tour in Australia late in the previous summer. The key question is whether this Leinster team has reached its peak or is weaker than earlier versions. The match pits Ireland’s best against France’s best.
"Bordeaux, the reigning champions, against four-time winners Leinster in Bilbao, with kick-off at 2.45pm Irish time. Leinster's ninth final appearance brings with it the taint of four defeats at this stage since they last conquered Europe in the same city and the same stadium, the beautiful San Mames."
"This time they arrive in an unfamiliar role as Bordeaux are slight favourites but there are obviously arguments to be made for both sides prevailing after 80 high-octane minutes in hot conditions. Leo Cullen has watched his squad play their way into the season after the difficulties caused by so many being involved in the Lions tour in Australia in late summer last year."
"Have they timed their run right, or has this Leinster team already passed its peak? As L'Equipe put it, 'The Irish have already won the competition four times, but they also have four lost finals in a row and no exude the same power. So, is Leinster less strong than before? What should the Bordelais fear?'"
"An intriguing decider awaits as the best of Ireland faces off against the best of France."
Read at Irish Independent
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