London calling for Ulstermen in all-Irish final

This month may see thousands of rugby fans catching ferries from Belfast to Liverpool en route to London for the Heineken Cup Final.

Rugby Union's equivalent of football's Champions League will take place at Twickenham on May 19th and many could enjoy a journey by boat and train, not least as plane seats will be hard to find from anywhere in Ireland after Leinster won the other semi-final.

And a quick trip round Liverpool may be in order before jumping on a train southwards for the big game, with a chance to sink a celebratory Guinness or two.

Ulster reached the final at the weekend with a thrilling 22-19 win over Edinburgh, with all their points being scored by South African pair Ruan Pienaar and Pedrie Wannenburg.

And the crowd of 45,000 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin was kept enthralled by the action as the tight game went to the wire.

Ulster will be expecting great things again in the final from their Springbok pair, alongside team-mates Rory Best, Stephen Ferris and Dan Tuohy, but face formidable opponents in the shape of Leinster, a side whose line-up includes, Gordon D'Arcy, Cian Healy and Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll.

Leinster came through a nail-biting semi final of their own against the French side Clermont Auvergne, winning 19-15 despite incessant pressure from their Gallic opponents in the last minute that came close to producing a decisive try.

Ulster have previously won the tournament with a great triumph in 1999, while Leinster are more familiar with the silverware as they will be seeking their third victory in four seasons.

But for fans of both sides, it will be an occasion to remember and will offer a chance to enjoy some fun and a few drinks in Liverpool and London on a trip that will live long in the memory, whatever the outcome of the game.

Posted by Andrew Smith
 

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