Brian O'Driscoll is sure to be a key figure for Leinster in the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium
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Leinster meet Northampton in a swashbuckling final of the Heineken Cup on Saturday and on paper there is not much separating the two teams, who have done brilliantly to come through to the showdown at the Millennium Stadium.
Northampton have already achieved something special by reaching the final without losing a single match in the group stages, although Leinster probably came through the tougher group and also advanced to the final after gruelling, physical wins over Leicester and Toulouse.
Having won the trophy in 2009, there should be no fear from the Irish side and they received a huge boost on the eve of the final with the news that their charismatic and talismanic captain, Brian O'Driscoll is fit to play after a knee injury.
Cambers' Calls
- Leinster -6pts to beat Northampton in Heineken Cup final - evens bet365
The great thing about O'Driscoll is that he always produces the goods when his team needs them. He is ultra-reliable and that means that when the pressure is on, he tends to deliver. What a luxury for Leinster.
For Northampton, the return of Paul Diggin on the left wing is the only change and they are full of confidence themselves as they try to win the trophy for the second time themselves.
Their attractive, expansive brand of rugby has won many extra followers this year and the onus will be on Leinster to keep things as tight as possible. The only worry for me, as far as Northampton are concerned, is that when you rely on running, attacking rugby, it needs to be perfect or your mistakes will be picked off. That said, their front five are incredibly strong so they are far from a one-trick pony.
The Leinster fans should not be discounted as a factor either. Hoardes of them have traipsed all over Europe in the competition and there is no question that the players on the field respond to their every roar.
Northampton were also boosted by the news that their winger Chris Ashton will be fit to play even though he needed three stitches last weekend after he was punched by Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi.
On paper, this looks like being a close, hard-fought and essentially even contest and unless something dramatic happens, like a sending off, or a sin-binning at a vital time, then the scores should not be too far apart.
However, I would give Leinster the edge on the grounds that they have experienced the cauldron-like atmosphere of a European Cup final more recently than Northampton (winners in 2000).
Bet365 are offering a tempting even money on Leinster winning the match, despite giving Northampton a six-point advantage and I think that's worth taking, not least since a converted try would cover that margin.
If you're not convinced, then just sit back and enjoy what should be a fantastic final but if you fancy a dabble, then stick with the class and go with Leinster on the handicap.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondent
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Simon Cambers
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant
