The final countdown

The 13th Heineken Cup Final kicks-off in Cardiff at 5pm on Saturday evening as three-time champions Toulouse go head-to-head with 2006 winners Munster.

It’s one of the most eagerly awaited finals in the history of the competition and from a neutral’s point-of-view it’s certainly the pairing that all supporters wanted to see.

The World Cup last September was a costly experience for many supporters and with a credit crunch and economic turmoil currently gripping the country, Saturday’s trip to the Millennium Stadium may be a trip too far for some supporters.

Once again the final is a complete sell-out with tournament organisers ERC, boasting record numbers through the turnstiles in another bumper season. The game itself promises to be an enthralling encounter with the infamously flamboyant Toulouse coming head-to-head with the doggedly determined Munster.

From the French side’s perspective, it’s another big game in an already excruciatingly physical season. Once this weekend’s clash is over, Guy Noves’ side must return home and prepare for the semi-final of the French 14. Noves’ side have been cursed with untimely injuries throughout the season and the coach will be praying that his current squad can make it through the next seven days unscathed.

One of the most intriguing battles in this year’s European Final promises to be the bone-crunching encounter between the respective centre pairings.