Leinster v Bulls: URC final head to heads for Croke Park collision
While Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan and Robbie Henshaw are absent, Leinster do welcome back two British and Irish Lions in Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier for their showdown with a Bulls side that is battle-hardened and determined to finish the season on a high this time.
Croke Park has been a happy hunting ground for Leo Cullen's side over the past two seasons, but they need to win silverware having failed to get over the line in every final they have played since their 2021 URC final success.
Here MirrorSport takes a look at three crucial head to heads with both sides "desperate", as Bulls star Marcell Coetzee said during the week, to lift the trophy.
Sam Prendergast v Johan Goosen
Serious spotlight on 22-year-old Prendergast, who Leo Cullen is keeping faith with after a series of patchy performances. Needs to improve his goal kicking. The Bulls' pivot is 10 years older and returned to action last week with a superb display against the Sharks.
Andrew Porter v Wilco Louw
With Clarkson facing Wessels in a battle of the newer Test props on the other side of the scrum, Porter must step up a few levels after bossing Glasgow's reserve tighthead Fin Richardson last week. Louw is a heavyweight Springboks performer in the URC's best scrummaging unit.
Jimmy O'Brien v Willie le Roux
Massive day for the Eadestown man as, in the absence of Hugo Keenan, he is tasked with dealing with the Bulls' effective kicking game that will stem from le Roux's boot. The two-time World Cup winner caused Leinster major issues in last year's semi-final.
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