Geordan Murphy on a hat-trick
May 20 2009
Leicester captain Geordan Murphy is targetting a third Heineken Cup winner's medal on Saturday, at the expense of his fellow countrymen.
The Tigers will become only the second team to notch three titles after Toulouse, and Murphy one of an even more select group of players to have played in all three of his team's triumphs.
"It is the premier European club competition and we would dearly love to win it for a third time," said Murphy, who produced a man-of-the-match performance at Twickenham last Saturday in the 10-9 Guinness Premiership Final victory over London Irish.
"The Heineken Cup means a tremendous amount to this club - we have been there or thereabouts in most tournaments - and we have a great relationship with the tournament.
"I have played in three Heineken Cup finals, winning two and losing one, so I know all about both the elation of winning and the depression of losing.
"It really is a bitter pill to swallow when you don't win and we will be doing everything we can to get that win. I have enjoyed some great moments with some great Leicester teams but all that is in the past, it is all done and dusted."
Leicester have cemented a spot in English rugby as the club that has probably stuck to its roots and core values the most.
It helps that they are in one of those rare areas where rugby supersedes soccer for popularity, and that while other clubs scrap to get attendances over the 5,000-mark the Tigers have a custom-built stadium more or less packed every week.
"Because we want to reward our fans who spend so much time and money supporting us and the best way of doing that is to win silverware and at Leicester we are completely aware that you have to earn everything, you cannot take anything for granted," said Murphy on his desire to win a third European title.
Yet Leinster present a huge hurdle, having beaten European Champions Munster in the semi-final. While Leicester have been toiling on all fronts - including the Guinness Premiership final last weekend - Leinster have been relaxing and preparing under very few constraints.
"Make no mistake, we will be going into the game as the underdogs," said Murphy.
"Before the semi-finals everyone was saying whoever won the all-Irish semi-final would go on to win the final so that has to be Leinster as the favourites.
"And, while Leinster have always had a world class back line, now they also have the forward power to maximize those strengths and flanker Rocky Elsom has been possibly their stand out player this season, a truly tremendous signing.
"They have got strength across the board and you cannot single out any one individual. Brian O'Driscoll is one of the best centres in the world but if you worry and concentrate on just one player then you will only create space and opportunities for the likes of Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney.
"On top of all that, Leinster have never won the Heineken Cup and that will make them an extremely hungry side and give them the desire to beat us.
"There is a feel good factor in Irish rugby after the Six Nations and that is fantastic for the country but on Saturday it will only be all about Leicester and Leinster and, if we come out on top, I hope they will not be too disappointed.
"We have made a lot of finals and not won them all and that is very disappointing so it is something we want to address and we will go and give it our best shot.
"And me as captain is not that big a deal - it is just a 'c' after my name. It's not rocket science. I'm not doing anything exceptional with the lads. I'm not saying anything special. I'm generally losing the coin toss. That's all."