James Ryan versus Tadhg Beirne and other key battles ahead of Leinster v Scarlets

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  • Leinster will set their sights on a dream domestic and European double when they take on Scarlets in the PRO14 final on Saturday.

    With so much at stake, we take a look at three key battles which could decide the outcome.

    RYAN V BEIRNE

    A titanic battle.

    The Leinster lock has emerged as one of the rising stars of the game with his solid carrying, workrate and tackling ability central to the Blues’ exploits.

    At 6’8, the 21-year-old has already drawn comparisons to one of Ireland’s greatest forwards Paul O’Connell and has the chance to light up the club and international stage for years to come.

    Yet in the red of Scarlets, Beirne will be aiming to go out of Llanelli on a high before his summer move to Munster.

    Not only is he strong, carries well, tackles effectively and is a solid line-out option, Beirne is a turnover merchant.

    The 26-year-old has broken the record for most turnovers in a season – with a stunning 37 and his closest pursuer miles behind – and also provides a constant attacking threat.

    Both men will be the tipping point between winning and losing for their respective sides at the Aviva Stadium.

    Scarlets v RC Toulon - Champions Cup

    RINGROSE V WILLIAMS

    Robbie Henshaw may be the chief lieutenant in the Leinster midfield, but without their influential leader, Ringrose has stepped up to show he is equally as effective with ball in hand and in defence.

    The 24-year-old tends to play second receiver to Johnny Sexton, and provides a fresh cutting edge to the Leinster attack. His slick feet also allows him to evade would-be tacklers and gain extra yardage in a bid to unlock the speed of James Lowe and Jordan Larmour out wide.

    In Williams, Scarlets possess a similar figure, with solid footwork, speed and power, but devoid of the same play-making style of Ringrose.

    He makes most of his impact in defence and forges a strong bond with Hadleigh Parkes inside him, however the Welsh man needs to be more creative in attack if Scarlets are to overcome this strong Leinster midfield.

    In his final game for the club after nine seasons, Williams will be bidding to leave the Aviva Stadium on a successful note.

    SEXTON V PATCHELL

    The best out-half in the Northern Hemisphere returns to the starting line-up after sitting out of the semi-final win over Munster with a groin injury.

    The 32-year-old is a model of consistency any time he gets the ball in hand, and scored 18 points the last time both sides met in the Champions Cup semi-final last month.

    He can pin his opponents back deep into their own territory, with his game management skills critical to how Leinster perform in the 10-12 axis.

    But his opposite number is one of just several obstacles standing in his way of picking up a second medal this season, with Patchell part of a Scarlets back-line that can score from anywhere.

    The 23-year-old can orchestrate the game from ten and with Gareth Davies alongside him in the half-backs, he will once again look to upset the tempo of Leinster.

    Although Sexton’s kicking from tee has been off colour, he can still cause serious damage with ball in hand. Will be central to Saturday’s result.

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