Ulster becomes one of the best in Europe

Leinster backs coach Felipe Contepomi believes his opponent in the Pro 14 final, Ulster, have become one of the best teams in Europe under head coach Dan McFarland.

It is the second time that the two provinces have collided in the final of the competition, as Leinster beat Ulster in the 2013 final on the RDS.

Ulster topped Leinster in spectacular fashion in the 2005-06 season, the northern province’s only ‘Celtic League’ win, but it was then that the competition followed a back-to-back league formula with no playoff phase.

Just two seasons ago, when Leinster was sweeping everyone before them in Europe and nationally, Ulster was in a bit of chaos. In a season marred by problems off the field, they only got into the Champions Cup through the play-off.

Under Dan McFarland they have improved substantially and booked their place in the Pro 14 final over the weekend with an away win over Edinburgh.

Contepomi, a central figure in Leinster’s victory in the then Magners League in 2007-08, argues that they have become one of the best teams on the continent.

“You always want to win and win trophies. It’s great that we are in this position. But we know how difficult it is to win trophies. In particular, when we are preparing to face a very good team in Ulster. It’s great to be where we are. .

“They are a very dangerous team. They are not just learning the lessons from what we saw last weekend.

“I think they have been becoming one of the best teams, definitely in this competition, and one of the best in Europe over the last few years.

“We have learned lessons from them from their (performance in the) Champions Cup quarterfinals last year. We have learned lessons from when we played them two weeks ago. We are always studying them because they are a very dangerous team.

“They are only the second team to win a semi-final away from home, and that speaks volumes for them. And the way they won it, I’m sure they are at the top.

“They are building something special themselves. We are taking all of that into account to prepare as best we can for a very difficult and good team.”

Leinster got a boost with the likely return of the James Ryan padlock, who underwent shoulder surgery over the summer and is available much earlier than expected after a recovery time of 10 to 12 weeks was estimated last month. .

The jury is still out on whether Dan Leavy or Tadhg Furlong will be ready in time for the decider, and the decision will be made closer to the game.

“I think he’s a great boost, he’s obviously a great player,” says Contepomi.

“He’s been unlucky with injuries, but he recovered well and quickly. Hopefully he’s ready for the national team.

“Dan (Leavy) and Tadhg (Furlong) are progressing, good progress. But we will give them time and see if they are available to be selected closer to the game.”

Meanwhile, Leinster mainstay Andrew Porter insists the province’s undefeated record will count for very little if they don’t get the job done in the final.

Leo Cullen’s team is seeking a third straight Pro 14 title and their fifth win in the competition in eight years.

For the first time, they have the opportunity to spend the entire season undefeated, although this detail comes with the warning that the campaign was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“These are the games that really mean it all,” says Porter.

“It’s the make or break [part] it’s from the season. Our entire undefeated streak would be useless if this weekend resulted in nothing more than a win. ”

With the Leinster region, especially Dublin, now providing the bulk of the island’s young rugby talents, the Ulster team taking the field for the decider is unsurprisingly well supplied with ex-Leinster.

Ian Madigan came off the bench to shoot the game-winning penalty to the death at Murrayfield, while Jack McGrath and Marty Moore also finished the game. Jordi Murphy, Eric O’Sullivan and another Dubliner, John Cooney, were named to the starting lineup.

Porter, however, insists there haven’t been many exchanges between Leinster’s players and their old network of boys up north before the game.

“I’d be a no-contact type of person. I’ll talk to them after the game. All focused this week. Heads are down and I’m just looking forward to the weekend now.”