LEINSTER:A DAY that Leinster rugby fans have anticipated for three long years has arrived.
The blue brigade today have a chance to even a score and erase the memory of their last meeting with Munster in the Heineken Cup, which ended in a shattering 24-point semi-final rout.
Leinster fans believe, in spite of their underdog tag, that there is a chance the bragging rights lost on that day in April 2006, or Black Sunday as some supporters in the east of the country call it, can be regained this evening.
“Munster are the favourites but Leinster have the talent in the squad to cause a surprise,” said Philip Brady, the president of Navan Rugby Club, an oval-ball stronghold in Co Meath from which plenty of support is expected today.
“They have got the better of us in most of the recent clashes, but if we get the right breaks we’re in with a good chance.”
A swell of Leinster support was growing in Dublin last night. Flags were appearing on cars and on the streets; the number of blue jerseys in circulation was increasing and a sense of hope and belief was brewing among the fans.
“Why wouldn’t I think we have a chance?” said Ciarán Doyle (27), a Dublin-based fan born in Co Carlow. “Yeah, it will be tough, but we have some world-class players in the team who could win any match.
“The fans just need to show they believe in them.”
In Kiely’s of Donnybrook, a supporters’ Mecca on the southside of the city, a number of Leinster fans gathered last night among bunting, flags and rugby paraphernalia to discuss how they see the game going today.
Paul, a member of Coolmine Rugby Club in Dublin, said he felt the game was going to be a lot tighter than pundits and bookies, one of which is offering free drinks in Kiely’s should Leinster win, expect.
“I think Leinster can cause a surprise,” he said. “I have a gut feeling that [Felipe] Contepomi will come good. He’s due a big game and he’s a better out-half than Ronan O’Gara. He could be a big factor in a Leinster win.”
Jason Campbell (40), from Castleknock, a member of the Leinster supporters club, said he was under no illusions about the challenge facing Leinster, but that he was looking forward to the occasion regardless.
“Rivalries have been intensified over the last few years, but I think rugby is different to a lot of sports. There’s a lot of banter but no animosity,” he said.
“I’m friendly with some Munster fans who live up here and if they win we’ll go out with their crowd, and if we win they’ll come back to the Horseshow House [in Ballsbridge] with the Leinster fans.”
