IT IS AMAZING what hope and despair can do for the common rugby fan.
Back in October, when Ignacio Mieres missed a last-minute penalty that would have made it 9-9, most Leinster followers agreed that they would be in for a tough return against Exeter Chiefs.
The assumption was [and it was understandable, given Leinster's cup pedigree] that Joe Schmidt’s men would beat Clermont in one of their two encounters and travel to the south of England seeking a win that could see them top Pool 5.
The battering received at Lansdowne Road, more so than the narrow away defeat, jarred Leinster but the return of Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney, and more, has given them hope.
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In all likelihood, the Blues will need to get out of Sandy Park with a bonus point win before sitting in front of their televisions on Sunday and hoping Munster, Toulouse or Leicester [or all of the above] slip up.
Four points may not be enough at this stage but, for the Leinster fans, it is the minimum requirement.
Pride of place
Chiefs out-half Gareth Steenson has enjoyed his first season of Heineken Cup rugby and, despite two hefty defeats to Clermont, reckons Exeter have given a good account of themselves.
They pushed Leinster unbelievably close at the RDS and defeated Llanelli Scarlets home and away.
He told TheScore.ie, “The whole experience has been great and we’ll be much the better for it.
We’re now coming up against as strong a side in European as any.
“The game was a sell-out the moment the draw was made and we knew Leinster would be coming. To have these world-class guys coming over here to play is something the town has been buzzing about.”
Exeter have won five games, drawn [against Bath], and lost just twice at home all season.
Steenson said, “We’ve a lot of pride in our home record and I know our supporters will give both teams a hell of a reception.”
The former Ulster out-half added, “It is hard to know how Leinster will approach the game.
“I’m sure, if they get an opportunity to get the win, they’ll go for that first before tries even come into it.”
'We've a lot of pride in our home record' - Steenson plans ferocious welcome for Leinster
IT IS AMAZING what hope and despair can do for the common rugby fan.
Back in October, when Ignacio Mieres missed a last-minute penalty that would have made it 9-9, most Leinster followers agreed that they would be in for a tough return against Exeter Chiefs.
The assumption was [and it was understandable, given Leinster's cup pedigree] that Joe Schmidt’s men would beat Clermont in one of their two encounters and travel to the south of England seeking a win that could see them top Pool 5.
The battering received at Lansdowne Road, more so than the narrow away defeat, jarred Leinster but the return of Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney, and more, has given them hope.
In all likelihood, the Blues will need to get out of Sandy Park with a bonus point win before sitting in front of their televisions on Sunday and hoping Munster, Toulouse or Leicester [or all of the above] slip up.
Four points may not be enough at this stage but, for the Leinster fans, it is the minimum requirement.
Pride of place
Chiefs out-half Gareth Steenson has enjoyed his first season of Heineken Cup rugby and, despite two hefty defeats to Clermont, reckons Exeter have given a good account of themselves.
They pushed Leinster unbelievably close at the RDS and defeated Llanelli Scarlets home and away.
He told TheScore.ie, “The whole experience has been great and we’ll be much the better for it.
“The game was a sell-out the moment the draw was made and we knew Leinster would be coming. To have these world-class guys coming over here to play is something the town has been buzzing about.”
Exeter have won five games, drawn [against Bath], and lost just twice at home all season.
Steenson said, “We’ve a lot of pride in our home record and I know our supporters will give both teams a hell of a reception.”
The former Ulster out-half added, “It is hard to know how Leinster will approach the game.
“I’m sure, if they get an opportunity to get the win, they’ll go for that first before tries even come into it.”
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