Leinster’s long wait for a fifth Investec Champions Cup title looks set to continue against a Bordeaux Bègles side playing the best rugby in Europe, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says Leinster remain one of Europe’s elite clubs, but Bordeaux arrive at the final with greater form, more attacking firepower and the most complete match 23 in the competition.
Leinster have lost four finals since their last triumph eight years ago and, despite reaching another showpiece, this campaign has lacked the dominance of previous seasons. Narrow escapes against La Rochelle and Toulon exposed vulnerability rather than authority.
“Bordeaux doesn’t have as many Test players, but they have the most complete club match 23 in the sport,” Keohane writes.
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The French club has swept through the tournament, winning seven from seven and dismantling rivals Toulouse in the quarter-final.
Their spine of Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey gives them unmatched attacking quality.
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Keohane also points to the influence of senior coach Jacques Nienaber at Leinster, particularly defensively, who he recently interviewed.
“Nienaber, typical of his character, spoke about the realities of playoffs and finals and how easily those big matches can be lost in a poor 15-20 minute spell.
“The key, he said, was ensuring consistency in performance that did not involve a peak and a trough.”
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Keohane, though, believes Bordeaux’s consistency and explosiveness will prove decisive.
His prediction: Bordeaux by at least eight points.
Photo: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
