Countdown to the RaboDirect PRO12 Final: 11 days to go

The tie is now a familiar fixture in the RaboDirect PRO12 playoffs - and there is no doubt Leinster have the upper hand.

Following three straight falls at the final hurdle, Leinster finally lifted the trophy last season - their first RaboDirect PRO12 title since 2008.

And for the second year running they had to see off the challenge of Glasgow, who had finished second bottom just two years earlier, at the semi-final stage.

Separated by just two points in the table, the Leinstermen pinched home advantage with three straight wins to finish the regular season.

That advantage told on the day, as a Jamie Heaslip try - and Stuart Hogg's missed conversion five minutes from time - saw the Irish outfit edge to a 17-15 victory.


- 11 days to go - the same number of RaboDirect PRO12 tries full-back Stuart Hogg has notched in three years with Glasgow Warriors -


Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend, in his first season in charge at Scotstoun, was encouraged by his side's showing at the RDS.

"They just had the edge over us there," he said. "Credit to the Glasgow players who played at a real tempo. They were cleaning rucks quickly, supporting the ball and a game like that really tests your fitness.

"The team have all improved from last year. They enjoy their rugby.

"They like playing at tempo, you can see the passing skills, the evasion but we're in the same position we were last year and we know we have to be better to get into a final."

And they have been better this time around, winning nine RaboDirect PRO12 games on the trot to finish second and see off Munster in Friday's semi-final.

A reunion awaits on May 31 at the same venue and Glasgow Warriors will be desperate to turn the tide - and clinch their first ever RaboDirect PRO12 title.

To get your hands on tickets for the RaboDirect PRO12 final, visit http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/final/tickets.php