Leinster beat Ulster to retain European Cup

LONDON (AFP) –

Leinster’s Gordon D’Arcy (2nd L) is tackled during their European Cup final rugby union match against Ulster at Twickenham in London, on May 19. Leinster overpowered the Irish provincial rivals 42-14 to defend their European Cup title, becoming the first team to win the trophy three times in four seasons.

Brian O’Driscoll believes Leinster can build a European dynasty after the Irish province clinched a third European Cup triumph in the space of four seasons in a 42-14 win over Ulster.

Captain Leo Cullen and his men retained their proud European crown in style in front of a record 81,774 crowd for a final.

It was also a record victory margin and record points total as Leinster made history at Twickenham.

Tries from Sean O’Brien, props Cian Healy and Heinke Van Der Merwe, hooker Sean Cronin and a penalty try sparked off a southern Irish party.

Fly-half Jonathan Sexton kicked 15 points and Fergus McFadden a penalty while Dan Tuohy grabbed Ulster’s sole try and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar kicked the rest of their points.

But Leinster proved too powerful, showing the kind of class which has left some experts hailing them as the finest club rugby team the northern hemisphere has seen.

World class centre O’Driscoll, who recovered from knee surgery a week earlier to inspire the team again, insisted: “When we won it the first time we had a chat and decided that one European Cup wasn’t going to be enough.

“We wanted a lot more. We wanted to create a kind of dynasty that will give us something special to remember when we retire.

Leinster’s Brian O’Driscoll (L) off-loads as he is tackled by Ulster’s Darren Cave during their European Cup final rugby union match at Twickenham in London. Leinster won 42-14.

“Winning this trophy, the greatest club rugby trophy where is, is an incredible achievement and a very special feeling. I’m just so proud of all the guys who have put in so much work and effort into what we have finished off here.

“The energy level was phenomenal. Not just from the guys who started by those who came on as well. Two tries came from guys coming on as replacements which shows you just how much the whole squad was up for this occasion.

“But even winning a third one will not be enough. This team will be just as hungry and determined to enjoy a lot more success.”

Record breaking lock Brad Thorn, who became the only player to win a World Cup, Super rugby title and now European Cup, produced another outstanding display belying his 37 years.

“This feels as special as any of the winners medals I have won in my career. It feels wonderful,” said the All Blacks star.

Leinster’s Jonny Sexton (L) congratulates teammate Cian Healy after Healy scored a try during their European Cup final rugby union match against Ulster at Twickenham in London. Leinster won 42-14.

“Everyone deserves this success. I am just so lucky to be part of another very special set of players who work hard, play hard and know how to win. Leinster can go on and win many more.”

Man of the Match O’Brien claimed: “We have a world class coaching set up and every time you put on the blue jersey you feel special and want to pull up trees.”

Defeated Ulster captain and lock Johann Muller admitted: “We were second best for most of the game and Leinster deserve their success. We gave it everything but it wasn’t enough. We have no complaints.

“We arrived believing we could give them a very hard game and push them close. We had had a great build up and campaign but this was one hurdle too difficult to jump.”

Ulster were certainly second best for most of the game as Twickenham was turned into a refuge for so many Irish fans keen to enjoy their chance to party at the home of English rugby.

After Pienaar kicked Ulster ahead it was all one way traffic as Leinster’s forwards took charge.

First O’Brien, then Cian Healy and then Van der Merwe crossed the line.

In between Ulster conceded a penalty try with Sexton always so red hot in front of goal in no mood to miss and release his rivals from their suffering.

Lock Tuohy crashed over for a try which gave Ulster some hope of a revival but there was little they could do to break down a thick blue wall which never really appeared to be in danger.

They had Stefan Terblanche sin-binned for a dangerous tackle and Leinster finished too strong.