Leinster-Toulouse final has the makings of a Champions Cup classic

Ciarán Kennedy THE CHAMPIONS CUP still has its faults, but the competition has developed a handy habit of saving the best until last.

The French side will be coming from a similar place having gone 28 second-half minutes without a score in their semi-final defeat of Harlequins. Like Leinster a day previously, Toulouse did most of the damage in the first half – leading 31-12 at the break – playing some scintillating rugby across the opening 40 minutes.

They’ve fallen short in this competition over the last few years but still know what it takes to win finals rugby – pipping La Rochelle in a thrilling Top 14 final last year. Last season Leinster had 15 points to spare in their round of 16 win against Ulster, before beating Leicester Tigers by 31 points in the quarter-finals and Toulouse by 19 in the semis. A year previously, the margins of victory were 41 points , nine points and 23 points .

Jacques Nienaber has made a big impact since joining Leinster. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Cream Of The Crop Leo Cullen Leinster Stade Toulousain

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