In the splendour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Leinster are set to clash with Stade Toulousain, a broadcast set to be aired live on RTÉ and TNT Sport, commencing at 2.45pm. This marks a momentous occasion as it’s their 15th encounter in the tournament’s history, including a quarter-final and five semi-finals. Both teams are stepping onto the green in their joint record-setting eighth final. Surprisingly, such seasoned teams have never crossed paths in a final.
Leinster and La Rochelle previously made history by creating the first consecutive final pairings. Now, another significant chapter is about to be unfolded in European rugby’s chronicle by two rank-holders. The Champions Cup proudly showcases the two most esteemed teams of the continent, both legacy holders and modern-day pioneers. Their anticipated clash in such a technologically advanced and visually arresting stadium will undeniably elevate the event.
The magnitude of the competition is immense as this game has potential to redefine not just the season, but the entire epoch for Leinster. Their fate will pivot around this decisive battle; there could either be a third consecutive final-loss resulting in a heap of regret, or a triumphant claim to a fifth star, which would be a first for many members of the current team.
The run-up is not without its sting. The memories of their defeat at the last minute to La Rochelle in Marseilles two years prior and a shocking loss after maintaining a 23-7 lead in the first half-hour last year, still hurt. However, these sharp memories will be part of the fuel driving their motivation forward, yet without stifling their game spirit. To what extent the ex-pat community will turn up to support, in spite of the hefty flight costs, remains to be seen. After all, for Leinster, the question lingers: do they genuinely covet that fifth star?
The choice to employ Jacques Nienaber and prioritise their defence will either be justified or disproven today. Alarmingly, the team’s offensive strategy has not been as effective as in the previous two seasons, causing slight unease.
Taking into account the triumph in La Rochelle and the even more prominent 40-13 quarter-final victory, it is evident that Nienaber’s influence is heavily present in this line-up. Therefore, save for Hugo Keenan’s comforting return, Leinster has chosen to reset their quarter-finals team by bringing back Jason Jenkins and Will Connors, and going back to a 6-2 bench.
[ Leinster versus Toulouse: The crucial match-up in the Champions Cup final is Jamison Gibson-Park against Antoine Dupont ]
James Ryan has now joined the Bomb Squad alongside Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan, leading to Ross Molony (as well as Harry Byrne) being the unfortunate ones to sit out. Compared to the last two finals or the semi-final that took place three weeks ago, Leinster appears more prepared and competent to endure the game.
If Leinster manages to secure victory, they would match Toulouse’s five-star record, bringing them some peace of mind.
“Considering all that Toulouse have accomplished over several years, we hold a high level of admiration for them. From the inception of this tournament, Toulouse were the first to professionalise and we’ve been continuously impressed by many of their strategies,” stated head coach Leo Cullen.
Even though Leinster have emerged victorious in the last four encounters and five out of the six knock-out rounds, Toulouse are no strangers to championship finals and have mostly been successful, having won their last eight in the Champions Cup or French Championship since 2008.
The team appeared quite confident during their captain’s run, interacting in a laid-back nine-a-side football game, while former player Joe Tekori provided a spirited soundtrack.
For Toulouse, discipline has been a key focus as they endeavour to prevent Leinster from gaining too much ground, similar to the 40-17 and 41-22 victories in the preceding semi-finals.
“First and foremost, this isn’t a semi-final,” emphasised head coach Ugo Mola.
The game is taking place on neutral ground, which instills a sense of optimism in us. We hold great respect for Leinster, who are formidable with most of their team consisting of Ireland’s players. There’s no need to study them excessively, we’re familiar with how they work. Our energy is mostly directed towards refining our own game.
One might say that either team could have the upper hand. Toulouse boasts a stronger attacking strategy. With a plethora of carriers and offloaders, Antoine Dupont is capable of besting any team, aided by Romain Ntamack’s comeback, albeit Blair Kinghorn was given preference over Thomas Ramos, a proven performer, not least as a goal kicker.
Toulouse harbours skilled game changers, noted for their precise footwork. However, their usual plays depend on Pita Ahki’s performance from lineouts and scrums. Nienaber and his defence are well aware of this.
Keenan brings a supplementary aspect to Leinster’s assault, which has shown inconsistency despite producing exceptional rugby in significant matches, especially in the quarter-finals against La Rochelle.
Jamison Gibson-Park’s genius tactics, reminiscent of the ‘petit general’, saw Ross Byrne keeping the ball in play and missing only one of his kicks. There was no game larger than those against La Rochelle, in multiple respects. These games suggest Leinster is set for another standout performance.
Perhaps even superior.
Leinster team includes Hugo Keenan; Jordan Larmour, Robbie Henshaw, Jamie Osborne, James Lowe; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Jason Jenkins, Ryan Baird, Will Connors, Caelan Doris (captain).
Coming on as replacements are Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Michael Ala’alatoa, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Ciaran Frawley, Josh van der Flier.
The lineup for Stade Toulousain includes Blair Kinghorn; Juan Cruz Mallia, Paul Costes, Pita Ahki, Matthis Lebel; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (captain); Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Dorian Aldegheri, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou, Jack Willis, François Cros, and Alexandre Roumat. The reserves consist of Julien Marchand, Rodrigue Neti, Joel Merkler, Richie Arnold, Joshua Brennan, Paul Graou, Santiago Chocobares, Thomas Ramos. The match will be officiated by Matthew Carley from England.
In previous encounters, Leinster has won 8 out of the 12 matches against Toulouse who has won 6. The forecast suggests that Leinster is poised for victory in the upcoming match.