Leinster v Scarlets - ‘twas the night before
The eyes of a Scarlet fan drift across a Dublin pub. The debate as to why Guinness tastes better in Dublin serves as an interlude between songs that are delivered with passion. The fervor is fueled by excitement and nerves in equal measure. The wandering eyes eventually rest upon the three stars that sit proudly above the crest of the blue jersey on the follower of the adversary. The stars are representative of Leinster’s European triumphs in 2009, 11 and 12. As the envy subsides, the mind of the Scarlets supporter meanders down a river of European memories. It drifts to days when the Apollo Llanelli felt destined for the stars, but crash landed with a thud, somewhere over the midlands. The record reads 0 from 3 in Semi Finals. There is a familiar narrative - so near but so far. If there is a set of supporters that can empathise with the Scarlets’ tales of the brink, it is Leinster’s. Their victory in 09 was preceded by two quarter and two semi final defeats in the first