O'Driscoll eying Heineken glory
Brian O’Driscoll is determined Leinster can emulate rivals Munster and become champions of Europe.
Leinster were beaten on home soil by Munster in last year’s semi-final, and O’Driscoll watched enviously as the marauding reds went on to claim their first Heineken Cup crown.
It was a memorable day at the Millennium Stadium, and the streets of Limerick and Cork were packed with Munster fans finally able to celebrate a European triumph after losing two finals.
Those scenes have been an inspiration for O’Driscoll, who would love to see Leinster fans converge on Twickenham for this year’s final.
“You see those pictures of the Munster fans celebrating and, of course, there is an element of envy to it.
“It is only natural because they knocked us out in the semi-final and a lot of them are your international team-mates,” said O’Driscoll.
“They had been in so many semi-finals and finals that they pretty much deserved it last year. Once they got to that final there was no beating them.
“Teams get hungry for success, and watching that has heightened our desire to experience the same thing.
“Getting to the penultimate stage probably exceeded our initial expectations but looking at it this year we feel that if we can get a level of consistency together we can compete with anyone in Europe.”
Leinster have already struck the first blow, with a 27-20 Magners League victory over Munster on Friday night at Lansdowne Road.
Their Heineken Cup campaign opens in 10 days’ time against Gloucester, and Pool Two includes French club Agen and Edinburgh, who have proven tricky opponents in the past.
“Gloucester have started in good form this season and they always have the potential to be a great side,” said O’Driscoll.
“I have never been to Agen but I hear it is a difficult place to go and win. Last year, we beat Edinburgh away but lost at home.
“It just goes to show that in our group anyone can beat anyone.
“But we have had a 10-day pre-season this year, and the boys are fresh and hungry. You have to peak at certain points during the season, and in the club game one of those is the autumn with the Heineken Cup.
“Our union have got the balance right. They prepare the players to be right for the really big games.
“The main focus is on the international scene, but just a small step below that is the Heineken Cup.
“You saw the immense prestige the union got and Munster got last year because they won the Heineken Cup. They all came back, and everyone was being patted on the back as a result of that.
“I hope the union will be patting us on the back next year.”
