Anyone remember Riaz Fredericks? Big, dreadlocked South African who erected a wall in front of Brian O’Driscoll way back in August 1999. The first of many to crumble.
This was another time, when the "interpros" still existed as a separate entity. It was O'Driscoll's home debut for Leinster and also marked the premature end of his old friend, scrumhalf Ciarán Scally's burgeoning professional career. Not that O'Driscoll has embarked on this journey alone.
"It's a minor miracle at 36 to be still in the squad," said Leo Cullen yesterday. The retiring club captain's first outing for Leinster was off the bench at the Sportsground in October 1998. All he remembers is they lost.
O’Driscoll had yet to evolve into The One, even if the secret was beginning to trickle around the rugby world. Holding his own against Tim Horan in Australia the previous June had lit the torch.
Those who had seen him for UCD or Blackrock College or Clontarf thought they knew what to expect. Team-mates thought they knew how good he was. The whispers were enough to swell the Donnybrook crowd on that late summer’s evening.
The curiosity factor began to wilt when Ulster eased into a six-point lead. Then came the first of so many special moments. Anger gave him enough confidence to demand the ball. Fredericks closed the space but O’Driscoll disappeared outside him, his pace drawing those first gasps from the great washed Dublin 4 crowd.
Duff his grubber
O’Driscoll chipped fullback Simon Mason, only to duff his grubber over the dead ball line as himself and Denis Hickie threw their hands to heaven in disgust. Neither had grown accustomed to losing and to Ireland and Leinster’s eternal joy, they never would.
Now, fittingly in a final and miraculously in one piece, we arrive at the end.
Leinster are adamant they have tunnel vision on Glasgow, who deserve respect considering they almost escaped the RDS with victory in last season's semi-final when Rob Kearney saved the day.
Still, it has been a very strange week. In particular Thursday evening when two men, who soldiered together since Willow Park primary school, had to clear out their lockers in UCD.
“Brian changes two spots up from me so he was doing the same,” said Cullen.
School’s out.
“But listen, after a while you know it is time to move on. There are better models coming through.”
One of these, Jordi Murphy, misses the cut today, indirectly losing out to Rhys Ruddock, as Shane Jennings remains undroppable and Seán O’Brien is the ultimate impact sub. Mike McCarthy and Mike Ross return to the engine room.
“It’s Brian’s last game for Leinster,” Matt O’Connor added matter-of-factly. “That in itself will drive the emotion of the group to deliver for Brian and Leo because that’s what they have earned over a 15-year period of time.”
That makes defeat seem inconceivable. Glasgow, under Gregor Townsend, are the most improved team in the Pro 12.
The 1997 Lions outhalf is an even better coach, refusing to allow the individual overshadow the collective. Even their most talented individual.
Stuart Hogg didn't travel with the squad yesterday as Peter Murchie starts at fullback and Sean Lamont provides bench cover. Townsend was adamant the Scotland international will be seeing out the last year of his contract. Compensation demanded by the SRU saw Ulster's interest switch to Louis Ludik, who has signed a two-year deal, while the 21-year-old Hogg will be among the 3,000 travelling support.
Attitude is an essential character trait in achieving greatness. We have the proof. Their team ethic, led by discarded Scottish lock Al Kellock, may be comparable with Leinster's but victory looks an almost impossible task.
"We have got to start fast," said Townsend. "We started very strong in the semi-final last year, we scored a try after five minutes. In a final you can't wait for things to happen. You got to make them happen." They will target O'Driscoll, who has been struggling with the physicality all year, as his premature departure would immediately silence the crowd. Young outhalf Finn Russell must also shine.
Ever wonder what happened to Riaz Fredericks? The rugby career petered out but he did go on to develop a programme designed to accelerate muscle recovery and treat chronic muscle pain. We can think of one former opponent who might look him up this summer.
No retirement has been so hard earned or mourned.
