Leinster face French side Racing 92 in the final of the Champions Cup in Bilbao on Saturday, with the Irish outfit bidding to win their fourth European title, and their first since 2012.
With so much at stake, we take a look at three key battles which could decide the outcome.
James Ryan v Leone Nakarawa
The Leinster lock has emerged as one of the rising stars of the game – and is yet to lose a professional game in 20 outings for club and country.
His voracious work makes him one of the central figures in the Leinster pack, coupled with his ability to pass and make breaks, which is a testament to the 15 man game Leinster are implementing.
Nakarawa meanwhile remains an instrumental presence for Racing with his strong offloading, solid carrying and smoking footwork all serious threats.
The line-out may be his key strength, but away from that he puts in a serious shift to get on the ball and put teammates in formidable attacking positions.
In defence, he can tackle solidly, win his own ball and show serious willingness at the breakdown.
Some locks offer a line-out threat and possess solid enough workrate, but Nakarawa (6’6) and Ryan (6’8) carry themselves around the field like a pair of six-litre V12s.
The Fijian international may have the experience, but the Irishman has shown before that he is up for any challenge no matter how big the task is.
Garry Ringrose v Virimi Vakatawa
Robbie Henshaw may be the chief lieutenant in the Leinster midfield, but Ringrose is equally as effective with ball in hand and in defence.
The 24-year-old tends to play first receiver to Johnny Sexton, and provides a fresh cutting edge to Ireland’s attack. His slick feet also allows him to evade would-be tacklers and gain extra yardage in a bid to unlock the speed out wide.
In Vakatawa, Racing possess a similar figure, with solid footwork, speed and power, but devoid of the same play-making style of Ringrose.
The French international was totemic in the semi-final win over Munster and – aside from Thomas – remains Racing’s greatest attacking threat.
Whoever can gain a foothold in this battle will have the upperhand in unlocking the opposition defence and initiating attacking opportunities.
Isa Nacewa v Teddy Thomas
The Frenchman may possess the pace and finishing ability to put Racing in command of any contest, but Nacewa is one of the best players to don the Leinster shirt.
If the Fiji man does 100 things in a row, it seems to be with perfect execution. He has that ability to dance and always give the ball to someone in a better position, instead of taking it into contact.
At 35 and captain of this star-studded team, he purrs with dominance and will be looking to go out on a high in his final season in Leinster colours.
Thomas – with two tries in the semi-final win over Munster – will be central to how Racing perform and if Nacewa can starve him of position and metres, then expect Racing to struggle to put scores on the board.
