Irish Players to Watch in Pro 12

With a season left until the World Cup, this is the time for peripheral players to start making a case. Others may need a big season to guarantee future careers, while others have been threatening to break out for a while, and could use a big season to show that they can be the names the provinces build their teams around for years to come.

Leinster - Luke McGrath

We all expected McGrath to break out last season, and while I have my theories as to why he didn't, this year there is perhaps some pressure on him to succeed. Both Reddan and Boss are a year closer to retirement which helps, while his main young competitor has been given a loan deal to Connacht for the season.

While he has a safety net of having signed his first full professional contract last season, due to run out in 2016, there are a number of talented scrumhalves being churned out by Girvan Dempsey's academy and the Leinster schools; with Nick McCarthy and Charlie Rock showing some talented signs. All this means is that McGrath will have to have a year much like Noel Reid's last season to ensure that he can be the future Lion some have tipped him to be. And who knows, of all positions in the Irish camp, scrumhalf is one of the most shallow, and after Conor Murray made the World Cup squad in 2011 based on one full season, maybe this time McGrath has a chance.

Munster - Sean Dougall

It's quite hard to pick a player that Munster, Ireland and the player need to have a big season. Most of the players are either established already, or I don't believe have a huge amount of growth left in them. An ideal candidate would have been an inside centre, but I'm not convinced that 27 year old Ivan Dineen, or 23 year old Cian Bohane can push on, or will be given the chance to.

So instead, I think Sean Dougall (24), can keep growing. He pushed Tommy O'Donnell hard last year, and even started ahead of O'Donnell is several big games. Ireland can always use options at openside, and in Munster there are two very good options. Munster and Ireland could really use a big season from Dougall because either a) he beats O'Donnell for a spot, and starts to become a viable option for Ireland, or b) he pushes O'Donnell, causing him to grow into a viable option for Ireland.

Long story short, an in form Dougall should be good for Ireland, with a Munster openside pushing for inclusion in Joe's squads.

Ulster - Conor Joyce

Losing Stephen Ferris would cripple most sides, but Ulster managed to nearly pull a great season out of the bag. They do however need their other players to step up in his place though. With Iain Henderson almost certainly moving into the second row, and only Robbie Diack and Chris Henry with meaningful experience in the backrow, I'm backing last years Ireland under 20 blindside flanker Conor Joyce to make a big step up and will get some meaningful minutes.

Sean Reidy and Charlie Butterworth are two new signings with limited experience, but Joyce is one of the brightest prospects to come out of the Ulster academy, and could see himself in important matchday squads a lot this season.

Connacht - Caolan Blade

Blade is one of the most talented players in the Connacht academy right now. Highly rated among the Connacht staff, Blade made his first Pro12 appearance towards the end of the season last year after only one year in Nigel Carolan's academy.

Kieran Marmion has started 47 of 48 games for Connacht in the last two seasons, which means he will not be able to continue his remarkable run. The IRFU player welfare system will ensure Marmion does get a few rests this year too. With Frank Murphy and Paul O'Donohue gone from the squad, and despite John Cooney and Ian Porter's arrival, I'm backing Blade to show that not only will he be no.2 to Marmion, but if he works hard, he could be a threat to Marmion's monopoly on the Connacht no.9 jersey in the coming years.

Agree or disagree? Questions and comments always welcome. Did I miss anyone?

Provincial Players to Watch During the 6 Nations

With the excitement of the 6 Nations after just kicking off, the provinces are due for some stretching in the next few weeks. With 4 Pro 12 games coming up while players are on international duty, and the interprovicial A games due too, there is a chance for some fringe players to stake a claim for a starting spot come the business end of the season. Here are the players from Munster, Leinster and Ulster who can do just that.

Andrew Conway

With Felix Jones still with the Ireland squad and Keith Earls out injured, Conway could be one of the beneficiaries. If he performs well or anywhere near the potential he showed at schools level, he has every chance of hanging onto a back three spot, or a bench place at worst. 

Rory Scholes

He's had a torrid time with injuries since he starred at the JWC, but it looks like Scholes might be back soon. Gilroy and Bowe may feature for Ulster as they battle back from injury, but once they graduate, their absence and Trimble's, means there will be a spots open alongside Michael Allen, and Scholes is the brightest prospect to fill them.

Chris Farrell

Like Scholes, Farrell has had a dreadful time with injuries in the last few seasons. Darren Cave and Luke Marshall are absent from the Ulster squad at the moment, so Ulster could do with Farrell overcoming his injuries and lacing up against the Ospreys, Scarlets, Treviso and Dragons.

James McKinney

Despite Paddy Jackson being the only outhalf ahead of him, McKinney finds himself left out of 23s due to Ruan Pienaar's versatility on a regular basis. He displayed the calmness needed at Under 20 level, showing glimpses this season that he's pushed on too. These four games will be huge for his development, and playing with Pienaar will help.

Luke McGrath

I mention McGrath everytime I do a post like this, but with Isaac Boss and Eoin Reddan still with Ireland, Leinster are having a glimpse into the not too distant future with McGrath and Cooney battling for starts.

Jack O'Connell

With both props ahead of him with Ireland, O'Connell has a chance to either displace McGrath on the bench, or to put himself in the shop window for other teams. If he continues his improvement, he will show in these games that he is too good to be 3rd choice for any rugby team.

Niall Annett

Like McGrath, Annett is a regular in these posts. This time though, Rob Herring is on the cusp of the Ireland squad, and won't be fully featuring in Ulster training midweek. Annett could seize this opportunity and have grasped the back up slot to Rory Best by the time they come back.

Tadhg Furlong

With Leinster the only province to supply tighthead props to the national set up, it is they who will have to give an opportunity to the next in line. Tadhg Furlong is that man, and he has been whispered as another solution to the easing tighthead crisis. An extended run in the team will show that for sure, with Zebre, Dragons, Cardiff and Glasgow likely to test him.

Quinn Roux

The arrival of McCarthy and the quick ascension from Toner has left the former Springbok prodigy with limited opportunities. If he wants to start turning things around, he'll have to start in this window, when he is likely to be given a chance. He has the most potential of all the remaining lock, and is one player I'm looking forward to the most.

Paddy Butler

Tommy O'Donnell and Peter O'Mahony's absence means that the backlog of Munster backrows will have eased. With CJ Stander permanently on the A side, this means that Butler could have a chance while O'Mahony is away. A very similar player to O'Mahony, he will be looking to make sure that Munster barely notice that their captain is gone.

Sean Doyle

Doyle prospered during Chris Henry's recent injury, and with Henry again unavailable to Ulster, Doyle could get another shot at the openside flank. The 24 year old Australian who will be Irish qualified in two years, will not want to give his jersey up as easily as Henry got it on his return.

Pro 12: Players to watch out for: Part 3 - Irish Provinces

Part 1 - Welsh regions
Part 2 - Italy / Scottish Clubs
Part 3 - Irish Provinces

Like Wales, Ireland have a number of promising youngsters coming through the ranks, however, unlike Wales, the opportunities for these players may not be as abundant because most of the Irish stars still play for their province.

There are a few promising players coming through who will need a big season this year if they are to fulfill their huge potential. I tried to avoid picking someone with a huge amount of talent that happened to have a lot of competition ahead of him, as I thought his chances might be more limited than someone who needs a big season if he is to convince the coaches and fans that he's the real deal.

Connacht
Back - Matt Healy

This was possibly the hardest choice of all. Tiernan O'Hallorhan hasn't hit the heights that I expected of him since watching him express at under 20s at the same time as the likes of Andrew Conway, Simon Zebo and Darren Hudson. And Shane Layden was fantastic for the 20s a year ago.

But I've decided to go for Matt Healy, a former underage scrumhalf, now 26, this is Healy's second season at Connacht, and he's already tripled the amount of appearances he's had for them this season. What's more, he's impressed hugely in those two games scoring two scorching tries. A big season for him and he could be assured of a career in the professional ranks,

Forward - Denis Buckley

There were also a few contenders for this spot, but with the additions of Craig Clarke and Aly Muldowney, the prospect of Mick Kearney getting more gametime seemed minimal. However, 23 year old prop Denis Buckley will be looking to add to his 27 caps from the last two seasons, and cement his place in the Connacht first team. Once he gets a consistent run of games and exposure to the Heineken Cup, there's no reason why he shouldn't be involved in future Ireland squads.

Leinster
Back - Brendan Macken

Similar to the backs in Connacht, this was a tough choice. I was extremely tempted to pluck for Luke McGrath, but at 4th choice, and given that he's only 20, he still has a year of development left. However, with Brian O'Driscoll retiring in a year, with the unfortunate injury enforced retirement of Eoin O'Malley, Brendan Macken needs a strong year to show Matt O'Connor that he can be the province's outside centre for years to come, especially with a lack of alternatives in the squad and in the academy, with other options Adam Byrne and Fergus McFadden perhaps more suited to other positions.

Forward - Martin Moore

He's had a strong start to the season, and is perhaps benefitting the most from the departure of Jamie Hagan, and the apparent injury to Michael Bent. From his early season form, Moore is beginning to fulfill some of the promise that has been apparent from an early age, and Bent looks to be in difficulty to regain his spot. More competition from Irish tightheads is always a good thing, and the whole of the country will be interested at Moore's progression this year.

Munster
Back - JJ Hanrahan

There were other contenders, like Ronan O'Mahony, Luke O'Dea, Andrew Conway and Ivan Dineen. But really, with Ronan O'Gara gone, the former JWC player of the year finalist was the only option. Many people's choice for a future long term outhalf. It's surprising that last season he wasn't given many chances, but he seems like he's set to challenge Keatley for a place in the starting XV, and has the skills and ability to play at 12 too. A fantastic prospect, and like Moore, many will be watching his progress with interest. Hopefully will be in Schmidt's plans by the summer tour.

Forward - Stephen Archer

A last minute change of mind, I had Paddy Butler in here until the last moment, but Ireland's current tighthead issues, any tighthead of any note will be scrutinised. John Ryan will be breathing down Archer's neck, so Archer needs to take advantage of any opportunity he gets, especially while Botha is out injured at the moment.


Ulster
Back - Chris Farrell

One of the easier choices, If you've been listening to any Ulster supported in the last two years, you'll know that this guy is something special. More has been said about Chris Farrell than any other prospect that's come through in the last while, more than Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding or Craig Gilroy.

Read more here

Forward - Niall Annett

I've been an admirer of Niall Annett for a long time. Ever since he was one of the star performers for the 20s as captain a number of years ago. Whenever he has played for Ulster, his throwing has been exemplary and his scrummaging has always been impressive. This doesn't even take into account the work he gets through and the amount of ball he carries. It's mystifying to me why he isn't the second choice up there, but hopefully he will be come the end of the year, because everything I've seen about him so far screams long term international.

Pro 12: Players to watch out for: Part 2 - Scottish / Italian Clubs

Part 1 - Welsh regions
Part 2 - Italy / Scottish Clubs
Part 3 - Irish Provinces

Treviso
Back - Angelo Esposito (winger)

Angelo Esposito is a 20 year old exciting talent. Already involved in Italian national squads, it won't be long until his speed excites fans and gives Treviso another boost up the table.

Forward - Giovanni Maistri (hooker)

A former captain of Italy's JWC squad in 2012, Maistri will be looking to build on the 12 appearances he achieved last season, with two in the Heineken Cup. The 21 year old hooker has already started the season well, with one start under his belt already.


Zebre
Back - Leonardo Sarto (wing)

Another 21 year old perhaps already familiar with fans is Leonardo Sarto. After a decent season for Zebre last year, Sarto was capped on their tour to South Africa. Sarto's underage try scoring record was good, with 2 tries in 3 JWC games, and 4 tries in 8 under 20 games overall over two years. He also demonstrated his defensive awareness with this try saver last season.

Forward - Andrea Manici (hooker)

Manici was an explosive carrying machine against Munster last weekend. The 23 year old has already been capped by Italy, and will be back up to Ghiraldini for the national side. A strong runner with a touch of pace, Manici will challenge Ghiraldini and could be part of the Italian front row for years to come.


Glasgow
Back - Mark Bennett (centre)

Mark Bennett is the player I'm most looking forward to watching this season. At just 20 years of age, Bennett already has the likes of Clermont Auvergne on his CV. A versatile back, his pace, strength and running lines make him the most exciting thing to come out of Scotland since deep fried Mars Bars. Not only should Bennett make the Scottish side this November, but I'm backing him, injury barring, to be on the Lions squad in 4 years.

Forward - Jonny Gray (lock)

Brother to Lion Richie, Richie himself once warned that his younger brother Jonny was the one to watch. Jonny captained the Scottish Under 20s in the JWC last year, and already has two appearances this season, with one start. He will be battling with Tim Swinson and Ali Kellock for a place in the Glasgow side, with Gregor Townsend not afraid to give youth a chance, Gray has a big season ahead of him.

Edinburgh

Back - Jamie Farndale (wing)

Scottish Rugby has been waiting years for a talented outside back to come through the ranks, and all of a sudden Farndale looks like being the third in a short space of time after Bennett and Hogg. A big, strong and pacey winger in the mould of George North. Farndale also has great timing for joining the line, looks defensively sound, and isn't afraid to throw in an offload, or kick in behind. Only a matter of time before he leapfrogs Tim Visser or Sean Maitland into the Scottish side.

Such is Farndale's ability that he finished top scorer in JWC 2012, despite Scotland's poor showing. He has a lot of competition for places in Edinburgh with Visser, Cuthbert, Jones, Walker and Brown, but has time on his side, and he will be eligible for a third JWC next summer. Whether he'll be there or higher up in the Scottish ranks will depend on this season.

Forward - Grant Gilchrist (lock)

The 23 year old second row is a former recipient of the McPhail scholarship award where players spend a year in the renowned Canterbury academy in New Zealand, Gilchrist came back and made an immediate breakthrough making almost 50 appearances last season. Such was his form last year that Gilchrist made his debut in the 2013 6 Nations, and this year Gilchrist will be hoping to be involved again this year with even more competition in the second row

Pro 12: Players to watch out for: Part 1 - Welsh Regions

Part 1 - Welsh regions
Part 2 - Italy / Scottish Clubs
Part 3 - Irish Provinces

There is an abundance of talent coming through in the Pro 12, and despite Rabodirect pulling out, and the confusion that reigns over the Heineken Cup, this league is going from strength to strength.

One country that is worth keeping an eye out for is Wales, who despite losing players like Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and Mike Philips from the regions, have a number of fantastic prospects fresh from the JWC final to come straight in and get an opportunity.

I've picked a back and a forward from each team in the Pro 12, who look like they are going to have a big season, and I'll be monitoring these players throughout the season.

Cardiff Blues:
Back: Rhys Patchell (outhalf)

There was a lot of competition, with Cory Allen, Owen Williams, Harry Robinson and Tom Williams all featuring heavily, but at outhalf, Rhys Patchell looks set to first make the Blues position his own, and then challenge strongly for the Welsh team. At just 20 years old, Patchell is exciting a lot of Welsh fans, and he could be the solution to the "problem" outhalf position for Wales for many years to come. He's started the season strongly, and almost single handedly beat Connacht last weekend.

Forward: Ellis Jenkins (openside)

It's a big season for the captain of that impressive Welsh Under 20s side, Jenkins will look to get as much game time as possible as Sam Warburton eases back from Lions duty. Cardiff seem to favour older more experienced forwards, but Jenkins is by a distance the most exciting young forward in their ranks, and if last year's JWC is anything to go by, Sam Warburton will have another challenger for the openside berth.

Neath and Swansea Ospreys:

Back: Matthew Morgan (outhalf)

While the Ospreys may possess the current JWC player of the year in Sam Davies in their ranks, their is one other outhalf that is a year further down the development ranks and has been afforded more opportunities to showcase his talents. Matthew Morgan, now 21, has a big season ahead of him if he is to remain as the back up to Dan Biggar before Davies gets his chance.

Morgan is a naturally talented runner with the ball, known for making great line breaks, but has been learning how to control and dictate play from the outhalf position for the last few seasons.

Forward: Tyler Ardron (blindside)

Tyler Ardron is a new signing in Swansea, with the 22 year old already one of the youngest captains of a Canadian senior team. Ardron is a player that walesonline seem most excited about. He was an unused subsititute against Leinster, and looks like he will be eased into action.

Llanelli Scarlets

Back: Steve Shingler (inside centre)

The player that caused so much controversy when Scotland attempted to select him for the 2012 Six Nations, despite Wales claiming that he had already played for their designated second team. Given Shingler's strong start to the season, it might be the year whether we find out whether he was worth the fuss, or whether this was a perfect of example of highlighting the rules to rugby fans. Only time will tell.

Forward: Rhodri Jones (prop)

Already a Welsh international at 21 years of age, Jones made his Welsh debut against the Barbarians in 2012, and toured with the Welsh side to Australia that summer. Having made 64 appearances for Scarlets, Jones looks to have a battle on his hands to cement his place in the Scarlets XV, but time is on his side.

Newport Gwent Dragons

Back: Jack Dixon (inside centre)

18 year old Jack Dixon made a big impression at this year's JWC, and is likely to be one of Wales's key players next year. Having started both of the Dragon's games this season, the 6'2'' centre looks like he is set to build on last season's breakout year. Big hard and quick, Dixon will be hard to miss this season.

Forward: Ieuan Jones

After last season's breakthrough, Jones will be looking to cement his place in the Dragons back row alongside Toby Faletau. Jones will be hoping that the lose of loss of Dan Lydiate means he is given more gametime to further impress.

Ulster v Leinster Head to Head

See my preview here

Before the teams were announced, I was finding it hard to separate the finalists of the Pro12.

Both teams have announced very strong teams, with strong benches. Both provinces are developing depth, especially when you consider the likes of Sean O'Brien, Luke Marshall and Craig Gilroy are all not involved through injury.

So who has the better team?

15. Fullback- Jared Payne vs Rob Kearney

Both are fantastic players. On form, both are among the best in the world. Kearney has the edge in defense, while Payne has a little bit more magic about him in attack. On his day, Kearney is devastating on the counter attack, while Payne gets involved more in play, playing a playmaking role out wide that Ulster have used to great effect this season. Kearney has been a shadow of his former self since returning from injury, so Payne just edges it.

Choice: Jared Payne - but not by much.

14. Right Winger - Andrew Trimble vs Fergus McFadden

Two players who started out their careers in the centre, with Trimble having resigned himself to a career on the wing, while McFadden is probably more suited to inside centre. Most recent Irish selections suggest that McFadden is ahead of Trimble, but I think that must be due to his increased versatility, and Trimble's form this year cannot be ignored.

Choice: Andrew Trimble - again, not by much.

13. Outside Centre - Darren Cave vs Brian O'Driscoll 

Not as close as the previous two selections, but Cave has done well this year, and is currently 2nd in line to O'Driscoll's green jersey

Choice: Brian O'Driscoll

12. Inside Centre - Stuart Olding vs Ian Madigan

In a few years this may be closer. Both players are filling in for an injury. Both started out as outhalves, while Olding may have found his best position, the 10 jersey suits Madigan more. His pass works well as a 12, but his playmaking ability and small stature marks him out as a ten. Madigan has come on a lot this year, as an outhalf and a player, and is my pick here.

Choice Ian Madigan

11. Left Wing - Tommy Bowe vs Isa Nacewa

Maybe I should have put the wingers up against their direct opposition, because both of these players should make it. It's almost impossible to split them, and both have hugely positive impacts on their teams.

Choice: Isa Nacewa - It's his last game and everything

10. Outhalf - Paddy Jackson vs Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton is the Lions 10, and the best outhalf in the Northern Hemisphere. This one is conclusive.

Choice: Johnny Sexton

9. Scrumhalf - Ruan Pienaar vs Isaac Boss

This one is almost as conclusive as the outhalf choice. Ruan Pienaar is the single most important player for Ulster.

Choice: Ruan Pienaar

1. Loosehead - Tom Court vs Cian Healy

Tom Court isn't the liability he once was, but at the same time, Healy is one of the best looseheads in the world, and at 25, is nowhere near his peak.

Choice: Cian Healy

2. Hooker - Rory Best vs Richardt Strauss

Rory Best was stupidly overlooked for the Lions. He has been immense this season, with the exception of a few wayward throws. He'll be looking to prove Gatland wrong. Injury meant that Strauss wasn't able to challenge Best for the Irish jersey. His upbringing as a backrower is evident in his play, and he plays differently to most other hookers.

Choice - Rory Best - just.

3. Tighthead - John Afoa vs Mike Ross

Mike Ross has saved Ireland on countless times. His scrummaging ability is the reason why Ireland are competitve sometimes. He doesn't offer much else around the park, but remains vital to Irish hopes. Not only is Afoa a fearsome scrummager, he offers a lot around the pitch, with great carries, vital steals and defending the fringes of rucks with aplomb.

Choice - John Afoa

4. Loosehead Lock - Johann Muller vs Leo Cullen

Leo Cullen is one of those players that you don't realise his important unless you play with him, and you see all the work and "tricks" that he comes up with in a game. However, Muller is a better lineout operator, a better leader, and offers more bulk in scrums.

Choice - Johann Muller

5. Tightead Lock - Dan Tuohy vs Devin Toner

I rate Dan Tuohy very highly and can't understand why he isn't higher in the pecking order with Ireland. Toner has finally improved and shown some talent in recent weeks, but not enough for me to pick him over Tuohy here.

Choice - Dan Tuohy

6. Blindside Flanker Robbie Diack vs Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin gets through a huge amount of work, but so does Diack, and Diack is significantly better in the loose, and able to play anywhere in the back 5.

Choice - Robbie Diack

7. Openside Flanker Chris Henry vs Shane Jennings

Choice: Chris Henry

8. No. 8 - Nick Williams vs Jamie Heaslip

Choice: Jamie Heaslip

Subs:

16. Sub Hooker - Rob Herring vs Sean Cronin

Sean Cronin is a great rugby player, fantastic in the loose, with speed and ball handling skills. Unfortunately he can't do a hooker's primary job which is throwing. I'd still prefer him in my team than Herring though.

Choice- Sean Cronin

17. Sub Loosehead - Callum Black vs Jack McGrath

Both have had good seasons, with Jack McGrath showing a bit more potential. Excited to see him develop as Leinster's number 2 no. 1 next season.

Choice: Jack McGrath

18. Sub Tighthead - Declan Fitzpatrick vs Jamie Hagan

Typical that Hagan only now begins to show why people were waxing lyrical about him after he's decided to leave. On this form he is the back up to Ross for Ireland ahead of Fitzpatrick.

Choice: Jamie Hagan

19. Sub 2nd row - Iain Henderson vs Quinn Roux

Injuries have disrupted Roux's season, and next season big things are expected of him. But for now, Henderson has finally shown me what the fuss is about with some barnstorming runs, and uplifting carries for his team. His work rate needs to improve, but there is a lot of talent to work with.

Choice: Iain Henderson

20. Sub Back Row - Mike McComish vs Rhys Ruddock

Rhys Ruddock is another I rate very highly. He is a leader, that gets through a huge amount of work, and a good lineout option. McComish is not the same standard as Ruddock

Choice Rhys Ruddock

21. Sub Scrumhalf - Paul Marshall vs John Cooney

Paul Marshall hasn't had a lot of opportunities, yet finds himself in the Irish set up by the virtue of some exciting cameos. Whenever he comes on, Ulster play at a higher tempo and frequently score tries. Cooney is a similar player, with a solid quick pass, but is inexperienced, and has yet to display his full potential

Choice - Paul Marshall

22. Sub Inside back - Mike Allen vs Andrew Goodman

Mike Allen is another that impressed me during the 6 Nations when the Ulster frontliners were away. Comfortable on the wing and centre, he has a bright future ahead of him, starting with Emerging Ireland this summer. Goodman has been solid since arriving, but I can't help but think he is over-rated. Maybe he'll prove me wrong next season.

Choice Mike Allen

23. Sub Outside Back - Peter Nelson vs Andrew Conway

Conway has been earmarked for stardom since starring for Blackrock in the Leinster Junior Cup of 2007. Since then he has made quite a rise, but has stalled a bit, meaning that his move to Munster could suit all parties. Nelson is still part of the Ulster academy, and has featured quite a bit for the first team this season, showing how highly he is rated. 

Choice Andrew Conway

Conclusion:
Starting Lineup:
Ulster 9
Leinster 6

Replacements:
Ulster 3
Leinster 5

While Ulster have more head to head victories, I think Leinster have the more comprehensive victories. This game is very tight, and could be decided by a mistake.

Ulster vs Leinster Rabo Pro 12 Final Preview

As seen here

Ulster and Leinster have had very contrasting seasons up to this point, but that counts for nothing when the two best teams from this season's Pro 12 clash in the RDS in Dublin on Saturday 25th May. It should prove to be an enthralling match, as all local derbies are, and I for one, am hoping that this success for the Irish provinces will translate onto the national scene once Joe Schmidt moves from Leinster head coach to the Irish national job.

As mentioned already, the teams have had very different seasons, with Ulster starting this season in superb form before fading and stuttering into this final, while Leinster didn't start as well, before picking up momentum after Christmas and storming into two finals.

Ulster's early season form was the envy of Europe, with game unbeaten run finally halted by Northampton in Round 4 of the Heineken Cup in December. In the middle of this, the tragic passing of promising centre Nevin Spence seemed to spur them, and this will help get the neutrals on their side come Saturday.

Leinster started badly, and were left requiring a maximum haul of 10 points from 10 in the final two rounds of the Heineken Cup and a miracle from other games to avoid missing out on the quarter finals for the first time in . Unfortunately, while they did what was required of them, it didn't come to pass, and they were left to rue poor early season form that left them out of the Heineken Cup and with points to make up on leaders Ulster at the halfway stage of the Rabo Pro 12.

Leinster will be hoping to win for departing players Jonathan Sexton and Isa Nacewa, as well as incoming Irish coach Joe Schmidt. Nacewa is a Leinster legend, who is retiring at the young age of 30 to move back to new Zealand. Leinster have lost at this stage for the last three years in a row and will want to put that right.

Both teams will want to win more than just for the final.

Ulster have a strong scrum, bolstered by John Afoa, the mighty All Black, Rory Best, who was desparately unlucky not to receive a call up for the Lions, and Tom Court who seems to grow in their presence. Johann Muller, the captain, is ably assisted by Dan Tuohy in the engine room, and they provide Ulster with great options out of touch. A back row made up of 3 from Iain Henderson, the young marauder, Robbie Diack who has been in great form, Chris Henry and someone who should be familiar to Italian followers, Nick Williams. Williams has been in outstanding form this season, winning the Rabo Pro 12 player of the year. Before Christmas he was swatting opposing players away at will.

Ruan Pienaar runs the game from scrumhalf, and eases young Paddy Jackson into games. Stuart Olding, who will feature for the Ireland in the Junior World Cup in the summer is the last man standing at inside centre, with Darren Cave enjoying a wonderful campaign. Tommy Bowe, Ulster's only 2013 Lion, is back from injury and scoring tries, with Andrew Trimble having his best season for Ulster, and Jared Payne weaving his magic from fullback. This Ulster team has threats throughout the side.

Leinster rested a large cohort of their first team in last week's victorious final vs Stade Francais. Cian Healy is likely to come in, assisted by Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross providing a solid platform from the scrum. Devin Toner is in good form in the back end of the season, and is likely to partner Leo Cullen in the second row. Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip in the back row, after Sean O'Brien limped out of the Amlin final.

Isaac Boss will continue to partner Jonny Sexton, in his last game for at least two years for Leinster. Ian Madigan and Brian O'Driscoll will form the midfield partnership, with Rob Kearney coming back into form (finally), and Isa Nacewa and Andrew Conway making their last appearances for the province.

As for predictions, I keep going back a forth. Ulster have beaten Leinster twice this season, recording their first win in Dublin for 13 seasons. While Leinster are now in form, have rested a number of key players and will not want to lose this final for the third year in a row. It's going to be a tense game, with no more than a score in the difference.

Prediction: Leinster to win.