The News Review:
- Heineken Cup Countdown: Former Tiger Cullen holds key for Blues
- Leinster coach Cheika names Heineken Cup final squad
- Hartley: Final proves Saints are on the way up
- Ian McGeechan: Lions’ tour preparations not disrupted by Alan …
- Winning experience has sharpened Lions says ‘Connell
Heineken Cup Countdown: Former Tiger Cullen holds key for Blues
Herald.ie
He showed his worthy reputation as a players’ player in defending Alan Quinlan at his ERC citing hearing in Dublin last Wednesday despite clearly reacting to fingers across his eyes in the match. Leinster finally made it to the big day at their fourth attempt going under to Cardiff (1996) Perpignan (2003) and Munster (2006) in their previous semi-finals. Murphy to join elite band of players with fourth final spotIreland international Geordan Murphy will join an elite band of eight players who have already played in four Heineken Cup finals next Saturday. Tigers Martin Corry Ben Kay and Lewis Moody have also played in three previous finals (2001 2002 and 2007). Sadly Corry has been ruled out with injury allowing the captaincy to pass to Murphy. For the record Murphy will be elevated into the good company of Munster’s Ronan ’Gara John Hayes and David Wallace and Toulouse’s Yannick Jauzion William Servat Jean-Baptiste Poux Fabien Pelous and Jean Bouilhou. Four-star Brive hold try record after ’97 crushing of LeicesterFrench club Brive are the only club to hammer home four tries in the 13 finals.
Leinster coach Cheika names Heineken Cup final squad
Irish Central
Leo Cullen Brian ‘Driscoll and Rocky Elsom are among those included after they sat out the final Magners League game of the season away to Newport Gwent Dragons. Rob Kearney who made his comeback from injury in that game is also selected along with youngsters Fergus McFadden and Sean ‘Brien after they impressed in recent outings. The Irish province are without the services of Felipe Contepomi after he hobbled off injured in the semi-final triumph over Munster so Cheika will have a tough call to make on who is named at fly-half. Jonathan Sexton will be favourite to get the number ten jersey but Isa Nacewa has been used there in the past. However Cheika might opt to go with Sexton considering he performed so well in the semi-final. Hooker Bernard Jackman has also shaken off a niggling injury so Leinster are at full strength bar Contepomi going into Saturday’s final in Edinburgh.
Related from Inkfeenz: Glasgow v Munster: Teams
Hartley: Final proves Saints are on the way up
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Hartley who should find out today that he is part of England’s squad to take on the Barbarians and Argentina in two Tests has seen the fortunes of Saints turned around dramatically since Jim Mallinder took over nearly two years ago. Mallinder brought instant promotion scooping the National League ne and EDF Energy National Trophy double and this season has cemented the club back in the Guinness Premiership. Saints now stand on the verge of their first major trophy for nine years since winning the Heineken Cup in 2000 as they prepare to take on Bourgoin at the Stoop on Friday night. Hartley said: “We all know where we think this club should be. Next year we want to be a top four top half of the league team. “To make the Heineken Cup as well would be great. That is where you can really test yourself against the likes of Toulouse Munster Stade Francais.
Ian McGeechan: Lions’ tour preparations not disrupted by Alan …
Telegraph.co.uk
The appeal hearing will be held in Glasgow on Wednesday. “It would have been a problem if it had dragged beyond this week” McGeechan said. “We were disappointed it took so long for the initial hearing. The process has to be gone through and it’s only proper that a player has the right of appeal.
Winning experience has sharpened Lions says ‘Connell
guardian.co.uk
“Ireland got the grand slam at last theWelsh have two. For a lot of those players being on a successfulLions tour is the next level. ‘Connell twice tasted glory with Munster in the HeinekenCup but will be watching this year’s final on TV after losing toLeinster in the semi-finals. “It was a huge disappointment but these things happen andhopefully it keeps a nice bit of bitterness in the bank for thetour. “I’d say if we were heading off (with Ireland) on a tour ofAmerica and Canada after the last few weeks it would be verytough and it would weigh heavily on our minds but coming intothe Lions it’s a real focus. “It’s a great way to move on and focus on the next goal.