Leinster return to Bilbao for a Champions Cup final under very different conditions than 2018, with mid-30s temperatures and a baking afternoon. The match is set on a shorter, narrower San Mames pitch, creating an energy-sapping challenge and leaving little room for heavy tight forwards. The timing of the kickoff in mid-afternoon further increases physical demands. French sides have won the last five Champions Cup finals, and Leinster have lost four finals since their 2018 win, including three straight to French opposition. Bordeaux-Begles bring detailed knowledge of Leinster’s key players through coaching connections, and their attack includes Louis Bielle-Biarrey, a prolific try-scorer.
"There was a very different feel when Leinster last came to Bilbao for a Champions Cup final. In 2018 it was wet, grey and could have passed for Ballsbridge in March. Not so this time with temperatures in the mid-30s and another baking afternoon in store for their rendezvous with the warm in every sense favourites Bordeaux-Begles."
"There will be no hiding place for heavy tight forwards, a factor exacerbated by the game kicking off in mid-afternoon. Apparently an evening slot was impossible for French TV because of a clash with wait for it the Cannes film festival closing ceremony. Champions Cup final will have independent TV director in charge Which leaves both sides facing an energy-sapping challenge on a playing surface where the dimensions are tighter than normal."
"Rugby fields are usually 100m long and at least 70m wide but the San Mames pitch is shorter and narrower. If Leinster are to claim an elusive fifth Champions Cup, eight years after their fourth, they will have to do it the hard way. Nor does it help that French sides have won the last five editions. Since their narrow 2018 win over Racing 92, Leinster have lost four finals in this tournament, the last three to French opposition in 2022, 2023 and 2024."
"The Bordeaux attack coach, Noel McNamara, also knows Leinster's leading players inside-out, having coached Caelan Doris at age-group level and taught Dan Sheehan maths at Clongowes Wood College. For good measure the opposition ranks include the world's deadliest finisher in Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who has scored 32 tries in 30 games"
Read at www.theguardian.com
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