ROB WANTS SEE OF BLUE
Mcbryde: Fans showing true colours can inspire us to final
THE Leinster players want a full Aviva Stadium roaring them on in their bid to reach a first Champions Cup final since 2019.
Tickets went on general sale for the crunch semi-final clash with reigning champs Toulouse at 2pm yesterday, by which time over 20,000 had already been snapped up by season ticket holders for Saturday’s encounter.
Munster’s fans made their voices heard at the home of Irish rugby last Saturday and Blues coach Robin Mcbryde said the prospect of getting 40,000-plus Leinster supporters to Lansdowne Road is one to relish.
“It’s huge, the boost it gives you when you see that sea of blue,” said Mcbryde (inset).
“It adds to the occasion, it gives you a bit of that tingly feeling to see how much it means to everybody.
“It makes you think a little bit less of yourself as well, that you’ve got a bigger role to play, a bigger responsibility on your shoulders – you’ve got to front up for everybody who has turned up to support you.
“It’s really pleasing and it just makes it great for everybody. As a spectator, you want to get something from the experience of coming to watch games.”
He added: “Welford Road, to all the supporters that were there, a big thanks because they did make a difference.
“I’m not saying you can influence a referee’s decision but you can definitely know there’s two sides on the pitch and it’s not just one-way traffic. I’m looking forward to seeing a sea of blue.”
Mcbryde’s Welford Road reference was in relation to last Saturday’s impressive Leinster win at the home of Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers.
In contrast, Toulouse only squeaked past Ulster by a point on aggregate over two legs before needing penalty kicks to beat Munster after extra-time.
In theory, Leinster should be the fresher outfit and Mcbryde says the Blues will benefit from being in the Welford Road cauldron.
But he is quick to dismiss claims Toulouse are not the team they were in winning the tournament last year for a record fifth time – edging ahead of
Leinster in the pecking order.
“Well, you can’t write them off, can you? They’re a quality team, the number of internationals they’ve got in their side,” said Mcbryde.
“The Top 14 in itself it’s a very tough competition. It’s week in, week out. No easy games there whatsoever.
“The standard of the Top 14 alone as well, you’re playing against quality players week in, week out so you’re battle-hardened because of it and that was a little bit of our concern going into the Leicester game. “They’re the same playing in the Premiership in England, battle-hardened, whereas we’d had a week off or whatever.
“But no, I don’t think they’re any weaker. They’ve got a bit more to play for if anything because if all those doubters are saying that then they’ve got an opportunity to prove them wrong on the weekend.”