True Class Shines Through

What a spectacle for Northern Hemisphere Rugby. Any cynics and critics of the Northern Hemisphere game could not have asked for a more thrilling, skillful and tension-filled occasion.

The Majority of the media suggested Northampton were underdogs, and this clearly went in their favour in the opening exchanges. Perhaps because the pressure was on Leinster to take their third Heineken Cup trophy Northampton felt free to play their own game and give it their all. Any regular viewers of the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup this year will know that Northampton pride themselves on their brutal strength in the scrum. They fronted up in the first half and earned penalties and an early psychological advantage over Leinster. In a flash Dowson barges over in the corner, the Millennium Stadium erupts, perhaps unexpectedly to Northampton’s first try. Leinster looked stunned, whilst confidence spread throughout the Saints team. Sexton nudges over a kick at goal. No reason for Leinster to panic yet. Another destruction of the Irish scrum and Myler adds the penalty goal. 

The next highlight for Northampton gave the side a huge sense of pride and belief that they were in Cardiff to lay claim to the trophy. O’Driscoll cut a great line of O’Brian and looked to be in for the corner, halted by a committed try-saving tackle from Ben Foden. The England full-back demonstrating his credentials and why he should be starting in New Zealand for England this autumn. It was not going to be a day of headlines for Brian O’Driscoll.

Mujati was sin binned. For many teams losing a man down in a showpiece final would spell absolute disaster. However, Saints weathered the storm and it was difficult to notice they were a man down. Another penalty was given to the Saints at scrum time and Myler kicked for territory. Clarke sent Foden around Brian O’Driscoll to score their 2^nd try of the evening. The conversion duly followed. 17-3 to Northampton after half an hours play. Sexton did his job with a penalty shortly afterwards, but then the Saints pressure tolled again. Ashton was surging for the line and I have to admit I did not want him to score because I could not bear the headlines to have been about him and another swan dive! Ashton went agonisingly close, but Hartley soon drove over to score after confirmation from the TMO. Myler could not add the extras, hitting the woodwork.

Half time: Leinster 6- Northampton 22

A dream first half for the Saints. Surely if they played territory and controlled the possession in the second half they would be confident of closing the game out. I am sure at half-time they were not foolish enough to think the game was in the bag, but they could not have expected such a resounding response from Leinster in the 2^nd Half.  

It took only a matter of minutes before Brian O'Driscoll picked up a loose ball and burst through with Jamie Heaslip and Isa Nacewa in support. The ball was moved quickly to left and Eoin Reddan sent Jonathan Sexton over to start their comeback. The change in momentum was epitomised by Sexton’s conversion hitting the post and bouncing through. Saints looked shocked and at this stage no one was writing off a full comeback.

Leinster again went close only to be denied by the TMO. However, Sexton showed his pace and eye for a gap to sneak over for his second try of the match. He converted his own try leaving the Irish side only 2 points behind Northampton.  A further shift in the game occurred when Leinster demolished a Northampton scrum giving Sexton the chance to put his team in the lead. He duly converted the chance and you could see Northampton’s disappointment creeping in.

Northampton were not out of the game by any means, but the onslaught of attacking pressure and relentless possession took its toll. Players began to tire and discipline inevitably wavered. Dowson, in the 1^st half the try scorer, looking to be a likely hero for Northampton was yellow carded. Sexton punished the Saints by slotting the resulting penalty.

With a man down, Leinster showed their class and determination to make sure Northampton could not come back into the game. Nathan Hines found his way to the line, a memorable moment for his last game in a Leinster shirt. Sexton once again split the uprights and Leinster looked comfortable in the lead.

Shane Geraghty was put on in place of Stephen Myler who had offered very little in the 2^nd half, a shame after doing everything right in the 1^st half. Geraghty looked for space with a jinking run of his but ended up being put under considerable pressure by Leinster forwards. A penalty followed and Sexton missed the kick. Surely that would not cost Leinster now?

Not even a final onslaught from England colleagues Foden and Ashton could resurrect the Saint's Trophy hopes. The ball was hoofed out of play deep into the stands and Leinster were crowned 2011 Champions of the Heineken Cup.

Final Score Leinster: 34- Northampton 22
Man of the Match: Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)

Northampton can be proud of their 1^st half effort as no one expected them to achieve so much in 40 minutes. However it is an 80 minute game and the top sides know this. Leinster had the poise, precision and passion to make the 2^nd 40 minutes count. It was not a day for Brian O’Driscoll headlines, but yesterday we saw the true class of young Jonathan Sexton. The composure of the young man and his self-belief was exemplary. Any seasoned veteran would have been proud of that performance and it is one to show any young aspiring player. Lions caps beckon and I would suggest that Ireland could cause more than a stir in New Zealand with Sexton at the helm. I have no doubts that Northampton will go onto great things with their current side, but it will be interesting to see how they fare next season in the Aviva Premiership losing so many players to the World Cup.