We preview the Pro14 Final between Leinster v Ulster, we also have how to watch or stream the match that kicks off at 7:35pm on Saturday.
Leinster will aim to make it 3-in-a-row this Saturday in the Pro14 Final against Ulster. Dan McFarland’s men earned their place in the final with a dramatic 22-19 win over Edinburgh. Likewise, Leinster had to grind to beat Munster in their semi-final.
This will be Ulster’s first appearance in the final in seven years. After coming second in Conference A, they were underdogs coming up against Edinburgh. They were a huge price to win at half time and those who used Sky Bet sign up offer thought they were in trouble.
5-0 down at half time, McFarland made some big calls. Firstly, Alby Mathewson replaced John Cooney at scrumhalf. Secondly, Michael Lowry went to fullback with Stockdale moving to the left-wing and Louis Ludik sitting out the second half.
The comeback was slow to come though. Edinburgh were stout in their defence. Accordingly, they went 19-7 up by the hour mark. Nonetheless, Ulster were manic in their hunt to get back in the game. Marcel Coetzee led by example. Offering himself at every opportunity, he put in a colossal shift.
Finally, with the clock in the red, Ulster won a penalty 45 metres out. Ireland’s Prodigal Son Ian Madigan stepped up to punt it through the posts.
WHAT. A. GAME!
🔵🟠🤜🤛🔴⚪️ #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/7DJ3F19hLN
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) September 6, 2020
Leinster still the team to beat
Having lost 28-10 to Leinster a week ago, Ulster will know that they have to be at their best this weekend. Leo Cullen’s team had to grind to beat Munster 13-3. Speaking ahead of the weekend, he’s called for his team to focus on executing the basics.
“We just need to focus on ourselves and try and improve and get better”.
Furthermore, Leinster will be boosted by James Ryan being available for selection again. Despite having not played since the restart, the lock’s presence is a great addition. A week after the final, Leinster will be in action again in the Champion’s Cup quarter-final. As a result, squad depth will be a valuable asset.
On the other hand, Jordan Larmour may not be around at the weekend. The full-back failed a HIA on Friday night. If he doesn’t feature in the final, Rob Kearney’s experience could be called upon.
Ulster will be able to learn from their defeat a week ago. Yet, Leinster likely have a few more tricks to pull out. It’s unlikely that Madigan’s heroics will be enough to put him in ahead of Burns. However, his versatility means he will undoubtedly feature at some stage. This will be a big test for him as he attempts to stop his former club from going unbeaten. One man who is already a winner is Andy Farrell. The Ireland Head Coach has gotten plenty of action from his players ahead of the 6 Nations’ return.
If Ulster can repeat the desire they displayed in the semi-final, they could push Leinster all the way.
Saturday 12th of September: Leinster vs Ulster 19:35 (Eir Sports 1, Premier Sports 1)
The standout stars from the #GuinnessPRO14 semi-finals 🌟
➡️ @wconnors09 – 1️⃣4️⃣ tackles
➡️ @duhanvdmerwe – 1️⃣3️⃣ defenders beaten
➡️ @Rob_Lyttle – 7️⃣8️⃣ metres gainedRead all about it ➡️ https://t.co/4UZhSYQZSt pic.twitter.com/hAYkmuKkFF
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) September 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1302986667263959041
http://34.245.76.62/rugby/rugby_irish/video-ulster-into-pro14-final-after-dramatic-thanks-to-ian-madigan/
