It’s almost time for the big one.
Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 final between Connacht and Leinster is one of the most intriguing matches in the history of the tournament.
In anticipation, we’ve picked our combined 15 based on both sides’ starting line-ups from their semi-final victories.
15. Isa Nacewa v Tiernan O’Halloran
Verdict: Nacewa
Isa had one of his quieter games during Leinster’s semi against Ulster, but that doesn’t alter the fantastic contribution he has made since rejoining the side.
O’Halloran’s positional intelligence has been a huge asset to Connacht all season, but we’ve gone with the Leinster man as he adds that extra bit of flair.
14. Dave Kearney v Niyi Adeolokun
Verdict: Kearney
Adeolokun has come on in leaps and bounds under Pat Lam and in a couple of years, he should be one of the top wingers in the Pro12.
However, Kearney’s all-round game is more developed and he gets our pick.
13. Garry Ringrose v Robbie Henshaw
Verdict: Henshaw
Ringrose has been a revelation this season and looks every inch a future Irish international. However, he’s just not quite at Henshaw’s level yet.
The Athlone man’s defensive play is nothing short of world-class and he is sure to compliment Ringrose’s raw skill in the RDS next season.
12. Ben Te’o v Bundee Aki
Verdict: Aki
We’ve gone with an all-Connacht centre partnership. Te’o’s a good centre. Aki is already a Connacht legend.
The lines he runs, the decisions he makes and the skills he possesses mark him out as one of the best inside centres in the league.
11. Luke Fitzgerald v Matt Healy
Verdict: Healy
The toughest decision yet, with Fitzgerald’s game changing ability going up against Healy’s finishing instincts. We’ve gone with Healy, as it would be unjust to leave the leading try scorer in the league out of the team.
10. Jonathan Sexton v AJ MacGinty
Verdict: Sexton
As good as MacGinty is, he’s no Johnny Sexton. Ireland’s first choice number 10 gave a lesson in game management during the semi against Ulster.
9. Eoin Reddan v Kieran Marmion
Verdict: Marmion
Reddan is a great player, but Marmion is the in-form Irish number 9. When he plays, the team automatically looks better.
1. Jack McGrath v Ronan Loughney
Verdict: McGrath
Loughney is having a good season, but McGrath is very close to being the complete front-row. His work at the breakdown compliments a game which includes a fantastic carrying ability and quality scrummaging.
2. Richardt Strauss v Tom McCartney
Verdict: Strauss
Tom McCartney has been outstanding since joining Connacht from The Blues, but he loses out to Strauss here.
Strauss has been a stalwart for Leinster since 2009 and has nothing left to prove.
3. Mike Ross v Finlay Bealham
Verdict: Ross
This is a case of master v apprentice, with many seeing Bealham as the natural heir to the Irish prop’s throne. Right now, he’s still a little bit behind the Leinster man, but he’s making ground quickly.
4. Devin Toner v Ultan Dillane
Verdict: Dillane
In the line-out, there are few players better than the towering Toner. In open play, Dillane is already up there with the best plying their trade in Ireland.
The sky is the limit for the Tralee native, as potential such as his is rarely seen.
5. Mick Kearney v Aly Muldowney
Verdict: Muldowney
Former Connacht player Kearney has settled in well with Leinster and will be relishing the battle with his old teammates.
Muldowney has been around the block a few times and scrapes in ahead of Kearney based on his immense ability at breaking up the opposition’s offensive play.
6. Rhys Ruddock v Eoin McKeon
Verdict: Ruddock
There’s not much between these two players, but Ruddock gets the nod for his international experience and we reckon he’s slightly quicker on the ground too.
7. Jordi Murphy v Jake Heenan
Verdict: Murphy
Heenan’s raw power has been blowing opposition out of the water all season.
Murphy’s set-piece skills cannot be questioned and the Leinster back row is also phenomenal with ball in hand. It’s a tough one, but Murphy gets the nod.
8. Jamie Heaslip v John Muldoon
Verdict: Heaslip
Along with Fitzgerald v Healy, this was my toughest decision. Connacht captain Muldoon is enjoying an Indian summer, leading his charges to places they’ve never been before.
Meanwhile, Heaslip has been answering his critics by pulling majestic performances out of the bag when it matters most.
We’ve gone with the Leinster man… but only just.
Tickets for the Guinness PRO12 Final at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh on Saturday 28 May 2016 at 5.30pm can still be purchased, visit www.pro12rugby.com for details or click here for details.
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