Tigers look to win historic european double

Champions 2002?
By Mike Hill
May 23 2002

Tigers have already made history by becoming the first side to reach three Heineken Cup finals so naturally the next step is to be the first side to win it twice and retain the trophy.

There are a lot of players in both teams who probably won’t get the chance to play in another European final making it extra important that they take this opportunity.

Last year a key motivation was to bury the memory of 97’s defeat to Brive and go one better. The unbounded joy and emotion displayed by the players and coaches at the final whistle in Parc des Princes last year showed just how much it meant to everyone involved to finally secure the biggest prize in club rugby. Munster have similar motivation this time around having thrown away their chance in 2000 in a poor game against Northampton at Twickenham.

Steve Booth looks to have recovered sufficiently from his damaged ribs to be available for selection but Leon’s injury seems less promising. Darren isn’t 100% but that won’t stop him playing ditto Martin Johnson and Back. Oliver Smith had his one bad game of the season against Bristol but should still start at outside centre a reward for an excellent season. Let’s hope he recaptures the form that won him Members Young Player of the Season.

Lewis Moody won the Zurich Young Player of the year award (though at 24 he seems a trifle old) to complete a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes. Just over a year ago he wasn’t being picked for Tigers or England A when out of the blue he was selected for the summer tour to North America ahead of England A regular Will Johnson. John Wells obviously knew Lewis had the potential and he finally realised it producing a string of excellent ‘man of the match’ performances.

Moody was gutted to have played no part in last year’s final so it will be a fantastic personal achievement if as expected he starts the game. It could well be Richard Cockerill’s final appearance in a Tigers shirt if as expected he joins Montferrand next season. I’m sure if he does leave all Tigers fans would wish Cocky the best for being a tremendous servant to the club and one of the most approachable players.

Neither team has any form to speak of leading up to this game with both losing their previous games. Tigers have been given the supposedly jinxed away team changing room but since the last two ‘away’ teams won I don’t think there is anything to worry about. The organisers say the roof could be closed if the weather is bad which looking at the weather forecast seems a fair bet. With 74,000 inside the atmosphere is going to be special regardless.

Whatever happens on Saturday let’s hope it’s an extravaganza of running rugby with both teams playing to their potential and ending in a stunning climax – but I’ll settle for a dire 6-3 Tigers win.

See you in Cardiff.