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Leinster's Brian O'Drsicoll says to come back in the way they did in a Heineken Cup final makes the victory over Northampton one of the most memorable and special games even he has played in. - 21/05/2011 23:38
Leinster Rugby launch the defence of their Heineken Cup crown against tournament newcomers Exeter Chiefs at the Royal Dublin Showground.
The defending champions, who overcame Northampton Saints and Ulster in the previous two finals, aim to make history – and go one better than Leicester Tigers in 2001 and 2002 – by becoming the first side to win a historic hat-trick of successive titles.
The omens appear to be good for three-times holders Leinster with five of the last seven winners of this competition coming from the Emerald Isle.
Leinster warmed up for their Pool 5 opener with a timely 30-21 victory over Irish rivals Munster to move into a play-off position in the Pro12.
Talisman and midfield maestro Brian O’Driscoll limped off for the Irish province in the second half with an ankle injury, but the Ireland captain and centre is expected to be passed fit to figure.
Rob Baxter’s Exeter, who qualified for the first time after a fifth-placed finish in England last term, have made another solid start to their Aviva Premiership campaign and make the daunting trip to Dublin on the back of a morale-boosting 42-28 success over Harlequins.
Defending Heineken Cup champions Leinster got out of jail with a nervy home win over tournament debutants Exeter Chiefs in Pool Five. - 13/10/2012 17:19
Defending Heineken Cup champions Leinster got out of jail with a nervy home win over tournament debutants Exeter Chiefs in Pool Five.
Leinster fly-half Jonathan Sexton booted three penalties for the Irish province to maintain the remarkable record of head coach Joe Schmidt in this competition with a 17th win from 19 games.
But Ignacio Mieres missed an injury-time penalty as Exeter came close to grabbing a deserved draw at the RDS.
Argentina fly-half Mieres had the chance to hand Rob Baxter’s Aviva Premiership outfit a share of the spoils with the final kick of a hard-fought and well-matched contest. But Mieres missed to the right of the posts as Leinster breathed a sigh of relief.
Sexton fired the home side, aiming to win their third successive crown in Europe’s premier competition, ahead with a close-range penalty on 11 minutes.
But Exeter showed little fear and, although No10 Gareth Steenson missed two kickable penalties to tie things up, the fly-half did level the scores on the stroke of half-time.
Sexton put Leinster back in front with a second penalty in the 54th minute, but Steenson responded with 15 minutes remaining.
However, Sexton added a third successful effort with seven minutes left on the clock as Exeter replacement Ben Moon was penalized for an infringement before Mieres’ miss from 49 metres.
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