The road to European glory has not been easy for the respective colossuses of the Heineken Cup, with Toulouse (8) and Munster (7) having now played in more semi-finals than any other outfit.  Their penultimate championship games were played against finals neophytes – with both London Irish and Saracens playing their first semi-final.

Guy Novés' Toulouse did not stride into their semi-final in the most imposing manner, having been defeated by Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14, and fielding injuries to the lethal Vincent Clerc and the defensive rock that is Thierry Dusautoir.  London Irish were confident, fielding a soaring lineout division and the sniper accuracy of Peter Hewet. 

Toulouse approached the game in the manner of champions elect, taking on the Exiles at their own game, and not shirking from the lineout confrontations.  But in the early exchanges, the home team attacked the Red wall of Toulouse constantly, with Peter Richards and Topsy Ojo giving the midfield, marshalled by Yannick Jauzion, a sweltering time with magnificent lines and deep running. 

‘Gloucester, Ospreys, Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne were far more complete in their domination of teams ... But, ultimately, it was lack of experience and iron-will that caused them to stutter at the greatest hurdles’


Eventually the immense experience of the Toulouse halves, Jean-Baptiste Ellisalde and Byron Kelleher, exerted some level of dominance on the game.  But by then the offensive missile that was Ojo had penetrated the fabled defence of the French giants, the scorer almost looking perplexed as he sped past Cédric Heymens to score under the sticks.

On the eve of halftime, the consummate professionalism of the three-time champions came forth, as General Elissalde guided his backline to score with purpose that gave the Exiles the reality check they did not want.  Toulouse came back after the break with the calm and belief that would have made a lesser unit crumble – but Irish had come to play.  They constantly threatened on attack and were passionate in the forward exchanges.  But the Heineken Cup veterans ensured that they played at the right end of the field and grimly took the game to Irish where they were at their strongest.

The impetuous Saracens tore into the Irish giants with all the ferocity of their ancient namesakes.   Munster, the sweethearts of Europe's premier tournament, were rocked by the power of the Sarries scrum and their premier strike warhead, Kameli Ratuvou in the early exchanges. The lethal Fijian, handling the pill twice in an exquisite full-field attacking movement, scored in the opening minutes to give the men in black confidence they would wield to the final play.

The stags played with nous and equilibrium, eventually gaining dominance in the tight, with Ronan O’Gara directing his three quarters around the park and All Black Doug Howlett especially menacing.  The Red army’s defensive mettle was tested - but like the Crusades of long past, Richard Hill would go down like Saladin’s Saracens but almost defied history.  Not long after making their second final in three years, the pride of Munster learnt they will cap off an extraordinary year with a 30-year rendezvous against their greatest scalp in history, the All Blacks. 

Toulouse, now playing in a record fifth European championship final, will march on Cardiff to play the Munster men, the one team that bring equal street sense to the French glamour team. No teams in Europe have contested as many finals as the combined seven-time grand finalists.  While they bring immense wisdom to the final, they have not been unbeatable in 2008.  Both teams have had their colours lowered twice this season – and have shown their steel in closing out games, rather than dishing out overwhelming rugby lessons.

As their greater poise allowed them to defeat the semi-final new-borns of the Exiles and Sarries, their records in this year’s showpiece have been remarkably similar.  Both teams scored 13 tries in the regular rounds, and conceded seven.  Both have been consistent in their respective domestic leagues, but again, far from unbeatable, with neither unit topping the Top 14 or Magners.

If it were not for the grit and sheer bloody mindedness of either Toulouse or Munster, they would not be contesting.  Gloucester, Ospreys, Perpignon and Clermont Auvergne were far more complete in their domination of teams throughout the tournament.  But ultimately, it was lack of experience and iron-will that caused them to stutter at the greatest hurdles.

Again, another magnificent rugby showpiece shows the importance of grey matter beyond the on field brilliance of a team of 15 men.

But Cardiff will host the purists' dream final, and Toulouse and Munster will contest the 13th final on Europe’s grandest stage to be crowned the finest club team in the Northern Hemisphere.  This will be one for the ages...

Prediction: Toulouse to win their fourth Heineken Cup 14-10.