By 8pm this evening, Leinster could have their fifth league title of the professional era or Connacht could be Guinness PRO12 champions.
This is it. This is the day.
A day Connacht supporters barely allowed themselves to imagine. They are in the PRO12 final and face a side they have knocked over three of the last four times they’ve met.
John Muldoon and Pat Lam sat side-by at Murrayfield stadium and faced as press pack bigger than they’ve seen all season. For one season preview at The Sportsground, last August, Connacht provided Lam and three players. They were interviewed by four journalists.
There were more than 25 reporters in Edinburgh yesterday and that number should double for this evening.
Chalk and cheese https://t.co/bAYswGBZPR
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 28, 2016
Lam spoke confidently about his team’s chances of turning Leinster over and reminded his men of the opportunity that awaits:
“These 23 players [in the match-day squad] are the fortunate ones who have earned the opportunity to wear the jersey and represent their team-mates and the whole of Connacht in our first final.”
That’s right – this is Connacht’s first final in their 132 year history.
Muldoon has been with the province for 13 of those years and this is the closest he has come to winning a trophy since Connacht flirted with Challenge Cup glory just under a decade ago.
This evening’s game will be Muldoon’s 275th appearance in Connacht green. It is a remarkable achievement and one that he will add to again next season.
Players & coaches enjoying reading everyone's messages of support in the team room this evening #GoGreen4Connacht pic.twitter.com/81uGy4JzOt
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 27, 2016
There is no doubt in Muldoon’s mind, however, that he can go to the well one last time in this campaign. He says:
“It’s a huge moment for the club and a huge moment for every individual. It’s unchartered territory for us, but at the same time it’s a moment that we’ve dreamed of as children, and big children…
“I’m delighted to be part of everything and to be able to walk out on the pitch and be involved in the last few weeks, months and years. I’ve been through tough days, but they will all go tomorrow.
“We’ve got a great chance, a great opportunity. We have a chance to give it a go, we know what faces us but we’re very confident going in.”
One more win over a daunting Leinster side would make it 20 for the season.
One more win for history. It took 20 years for Connacht to crash the party but they’re here now and they’re tearing it up.
