Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

what an all-round athlete he is, while Jared Payne, yet another Ulsterman whose World Cup hopes were bolstered hugely in the Six Nations, added further quality to a side in which the remarkable Chris Henry, the indefatigable Darren Cave, the genius that is Ruan Pienaar, brought the best out of a well- drilled and inventive group of players. Jackson and Madigan, Ludik and Rob Kearney, Herbst and Healy, Van der Merwe and Toner – all over the pitch this Spring evening are match-ups to have the fans of each side drooling. Up in their eyries the coaches will be examining every nuance of the opening exchanges, and for Jonny Bell, on his ‘final lap’ before he moves to England, there’ll be an extra-special incentive to organise the gifted Ulster backline as a potent attacking force and a formidable defensive shield. Bell, one of the most extravagantly gifted centres of his generation, has served his province well as a player and as a coach and organiser of intelligence and invention: for him a win tonight and a season-ending PRO12 Final victory at Kingspan Stadium would be the perfect parting gift. This is a game to really whet the appetite, a match in times of yore often decided the make-up of the Ireland side in the New Year, and this coming together has even more significance and lustre. It’s a sporting battle to savour, a sell-out crowd providing an unique atmosphere to this clash of domestic titans. Sit back and enjoy, applaud and marvel. It’s as good as that.

Article by Rod Nawn

Freelance Journalist and Sports Enthusiast @RODNAWN1

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