Sexton is relishing Celtic Park stage

fullback Stuart Hogg, dubbed the ‘ excitement machine’ by his coach Dave Rennie, above, practises his kicking as he familiarises himself with the Celtic Park pitch. Right, stand- off Adam Hastings takes a break in training as the Warriors prepare for one final push against defending champions Leinster. L e i n s t e r c a p t a i n Jo h n ny Sexton has hailed the chance to run out at Celtic Park as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for an Irish rugby player.

After his coach Leo Cul - l en had apologised f or his c omments made i n “j e s t ” about Glasgow players being Rangers fans, Lions standoff Sexton, who returns to the starting line- up this evening after being on the bench in the semi- final win over Munster last week, was coy about his own footballing affiliation.

“I don’t want to stoke any fires again or I’ll have to give a statement before the game t omorrow,” he said with a smile.

“There’s a big affiliation for Celtic in Ireland, and a lot of us would have grown up watching games here and dreaming to play here, and it’s great to get the chance to do it. Once in a lifetime I think is what I’m really trying to say.”

Cullen said it was his first visit to the stadium but revealed that Glasgow was a cit y he had loved coming to throughout his long and distinguished career.

“We’re delighted to be here. I made my Ireland Schools debut back in 1995 in Glasgow against the Scottish Schoolboys and we have been coming here on a very regular basis to Glasgow with Leinster,” said the 32- times capped former lock.

“To see the progression from Hughenden to Firhill to Scotstoun and to be playing a game here in Celtic Park is amazing to have been part of that progression.

“We’re unbelievably excited. Leinster feel very privileged to be here.” TODAY Guinness Pro14 final

Gallagher Premiership semi- final

THE KICKING GAME Both of these sides like to attack with the ball in hand but Saracens showed j ust how destructive an aggressive rush defence can be and no one will want to concede soft points trying to run the ball out of their own red zone.

Johnny Sexton is good at this sort of stuff, l ook out for his trademark kick/ pass to the openside winger, but Adam Hastings al s o di s - played the full range of his attacking kicks i n an earl y l eague match when he unlocked Munster’s defence like Fagin himself.

B A L L - P L A Y FORWARDS

When L e i n s t e r h o o k e r Sean Cronin scored a crucial tr y against Munster in the semi- final he was sent on his way to the line by his twin props, Cian Healy and

I N G

‘ Leone Nakarawa won it for Glasgow four years ago with outrageous offloads for DTH van der Merwe and Rob Harley to score. Who will fill those big boots?’