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Simon Zebo’s prediction for this Saturday’s URC Grand Final between Leinster and the Bulls at Croke Park will hardly surprise fans of the Irish province.
The former Munster and Racing 92 wing expects a contest decided by the narrowest of margins and warns that the Irish province’s burden of expectation could become decisive if the Bulls are still within striking distance.
“I think it will be a very tight game,” said Zebo. “There’s a lot of talk about Leinster not having the success they should have with the players they’ve got at their disposal, which will bring a nervousness if the Bulls are still in it come the end of the game.
“There is a lot of pressure on Leinster to win which gives freedom to the Bulls and could play into their hands. The shackles are off for the Bulls, and they have the confidence of beating Leinster in semi-finals in previous years.”
“It’s a hard one to call – my head says Leinster, my heart says Bulls.”
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
“The Bulls are playing for a cause. The team will be playing for Cornal Hendricks who we recently lost, so the emotional side of the game will be with the Bulls. I know first-hand what that can be like; it can be a powerful thing if the energy moves the team that way.”
The former Ireland and British & Irish Lions’ wing is relishing the individual battles.
“There’s some really interesting match-ups in this game that I’m looking forward to. Garry Ringrose against David Kriel – Marcell Coetzee against Jack Conan – Johan Goosen v Sam Prendergast – Jimmy O’Brien against Willie le Roux; they all whet the appetite!”
“Leinster always start well and build their score and if teams have to chase the game that plays into the hands of their rush defence.”
“If the Bulls keep the score close in the first half, I think their size and physicality will take its toil and there will be some openings for them to capitalise on with their pacey and dangerous back three. I see the Bulls winning by just a few points as I think they’ll physically have the edge over Leinster and they are playing for a cause.”
It is Croke Park’s first rugby final and the URC’s first outside South Africa.
Leinster are unbeaten at the stadium.
“Croke Park is an incredible stadium and hopefully Leinster can get a great crowd. It’s an brilliant sports venue, one of the best in the world, with a lot of history and the atmosphere should be cracking. So we’re set for an amazing final.
“It will be a privilege to be part it – I am loving my new role at Premier Sports with the mic and enjoying staying close to the game, it’s been an incredible learning experience this season. I’m trying to get better and more articulate as well as passing on knowledge and having some fun.”
Premier Sports’ lineup of Ross Harries, Simon Zebo, Stephen Ferris, Ian Madigan, Tom Shanklin, John Barclay, Ryan Wilson and Rory Hamilton will broadcast live from the final, with a full hour of build-up from 4pm on Saturday.
