GAVIN CUMMISKY canvases the opinions of some neutral – and not so neutral – experts

Geoff Moylan(Shannon coach)

Are you going? If not, where will you watch it?

I’ll be going. I think I’m in the lower Cusack. Coming up with friends, and heading back down that night. We have a session Sunday morning ahead of next week’s AIL final against Clontarf.

Have you noticed the growth of Leinster’s support since 2006?

Well, they are getting bigger crowds at their Magners League games in the RDS than everyone else. I’ve got my club hat on here, but I don’t necessarily agree with the new club Munster or club Leinster fan who doesn’t go to see his club play the next day. The All Black game at Thomond Park was different as every guy who has every played club rugby seemed to be there and it was the best atmosphere I can ever remember.

What are the potential weaknesses of the teams?

It will come down to the 10s. The Leinster outhalf seldom plays well against Munster and the Munster outhalf seldom plays well at Croke Park. If the Leinster outhalf finds a kicking game and produces something special, then it will be a single-score difference.

Who will win and by how much?

Munster will win and they might win well if Ronan O’Gara gets over his Croke Park problems. I don’t see any parity up front, sure, just look what Leinster are up against.

Mike Ross

(Harlequins prop & Cork man)

Are you going? If not, where will you watch it?

We have a rare weekend off so I’m taking my wife down to the Cotswolds. It’s supposed to be a rugby-free few days but I’ll find somewhere to watch it.

Have you noticed the growth of Leinster’s support since 2006?

We always warm up down the south end of The Stoop before matches and the Heineken Cup quarter-final was the loudest travelling support I’ve ever experienced. It was like we were the away team.

What are the potential weaknesses of the teams?

Munster have to be attacked in their areas of strength. Stop them on the gainline and win the collisions. Easier said than done, I know. We targeted Leinster around the fringes but they showed a marked improvement in this area. They seem to have developed a new, hard edge, epitomised by Rocky Elsom. People think Munster will do a job on them (up front), but I’m not so sure.

Who will win and by how much?

Munster. They are the best team in Europe right now and I think they will shade it, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Leinster nick it at the death. It will be that close.

Matt Williams(Ulster coach)

Are you going? If not, where will you watch it?

I’ll watch it from the safety of home.

Have you noticed the growth of Leinster’s support since 2006?

Definitely. I remember my first game in charge of Leinster; it was November 1999, against Munster, in Donnybrook and 800 people turned up. Afterwards, both teams walked up to Kielys in the rain for a few pints together.

What are the potential weaknesses of the teams?

Munster would have preferred anyone else in the semi-final, as Irish provincial sides are the only teams who regularly beat them because they tend to rise to the challenge. I can see Leinster using the motivation of the 2001 final, but like then and 2006 (Ronan O’Gara’s try) the result will be decided by one incident. On big days you need your big players to play great. O’Gara will do that.

Who will win and by how much?

It is so even I couldn’t tell you, mate. On form, Munster by three or four points looks more likely.

Trevor Brennan(Publican, Toulouse)

Are you going? If not, where will you watch it?

Couldn’t get a ticket! No, seriously, I’ll watch it in the pub. We’ll have every Irish person within 100 miles who doesn’t have a Sky box.

Have you noticed the growth of Leinster’s support since 2006?

It seemed to start when they beat us in Toulouse in the 2006 quarter-final. Being used to maybe 100 supporters following us to France in my time, to see 7,000-8,000 was something else. The Leinster support has grown, but rugby in general has got bigger all over Ireland. In the current times, sport keeps people’s heads up. The days of a few thousand going to club games are long over. People want to see their international players, so the provinces are where it is at.

What are the potential weaknesses of the teams?

Munster have no obvious weakness. They are the best club side in the world but they are beatable. Leinster need to replicate what they did to Toulouse in 2006, and that means attacking from everywhere. They have to stand up and fight as a collective. Get quick ball to the backs.

Who will win and by how much?

Either team could win, or it could be a draw. You can quote me on that!