Most thrilling Guinness PRO12 ever?
More twists and turns than the Borders' roads leading to Edinburgh, this Guinness PRO12 season has been exhilarating from start to finish. From Connacht's consistently superb form, to Glasgow Warriors' perfectly-timed play-off charge and Ulster's dogged fight for yet another play-off spot, this has been a season to remember and BT Murrayfield will provide the perfect setting to cap a superb campaign.
The Game:
Three Irish sides in the semi-finals, three former winners, the reigning Guinness PRO12 champions and four sides capable of playing exhilarating rugby.
Connacht have defied their critics all season, operating with a freedom that many thought would crumble as the competition intensified - they have stayed true to Pat Lam's expansive values and been rewarded with a shot at the ultimate prize.
Warriors' title-defence looked rather limp when they sat in eighth place, but nine games undefeated and they were back to their formidable best. Who would bet against them making it two on the bounce at a stadium so familiar to their huge Scottish international contingent?
Leinster sneaked under the radar to claim a home semi-final under former captain and club legend Leo Cullen boosted by a vanguard of young Irish talent. Garry Ringrose and Josh Van der Flier have fortified a team rooted on veterans Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton - they are packed with champions and know how to win, only a fool would rule them out.
Ulster, much like the Warriors, can thank their late-season surge for a fourth-consecutive play-off appearance and after comfortably defeating provincial rivals Leinster 30-6 in the regular season's penultimate round, Les Kiss's side will be confident of springing a surprise at the RDS Arena and making it to BT Murrayfield.
Centre of the universe:
With a population of about 500,000, a BT Murrayfield packed with 67,000 fans in full voice reverberates throughout the city and for 24 hours rugby becomes the centre of Edinburgh's universe. From George Street outwards, everyone is moving in the same direction and the Capital's mood soars.
Stroll to BT Murrayfield:
No awkward public transport, no queuing for taxis - the home of Scottish rugby is the perfect distance for a casual stroll. Edinburgh is famed for the beauty of its architecture - take the whole lot in as you saunter along to the Guinness PRO12 showpiece.
No train journeys:
For all of Twickenham's virtues, no one enjoys being packed onto a train like a sardine to get there. Remove the stress, enjoy the crisp Scottish air and the occasional pit stop at one of Edinburgh's many venerable public houses, but make sure you don't lose track of time!
Best Pubs:
You will really struggle to find somewhere more welcoming than Edinburgh's pubs on match-day. Special offers aplenty, face-painted publicans and a wonderfully inclusive atmosphere, the whole city gets behind a BT Murrayfield day and even if your team doesn't take home the silverware, you can guarantee your bad mood won't last too long.
Rugby History:
Raeburn Place - a 15 minute walk from Edinburgh city centre - is the sight of the first ever rugby international, between Scotland and England on March 27 1871 - take a brief detour and soak up the history.
Whistle-stop sight-seeing:
If you arrive a day or two early, Edinburgh's great advantage is that you can explore almost all of its iconic sights on foot. It goes without saying that Edinburgh Castle is a must see - the views alone are worth the trip north. Stop off at the gorgeous St. Giles' Cathedral as you imbibe the delights of the Royal Mile. Take a jaunt through Princes Street Gardens via the National Gallery and the Scott Monument for an unforgettable whistle-stop tour.
Escape the unseasonal heat:
Anyone who is struggling with the heat-wave that has been sweeping across the country will be pleased to know that BT Murrayfield is almost always cold, pack a hat and gloves and escape the oppressive heat of Scotland in May.
Atmosphere in the ground:
The wind may swirl around inside the home of Scottish rugby, but so does the noise. If Glasgow Warriors make it through to the final then the Flower of Scotland induced goosepimples may take a while to settle down.
Guinness:
Granted, it is not St. James' Gate, but for enjoying a pint of the black stuff, Edinburgh is not a bad alternative and BT Murrayfield is supremely well stocked. Refresh yourself after a jaunt through Haymarket and get set for a showpiece which, if the main season is anything to go by, will be an absolute belter.
Fancy Dress:
Kilts - lots of them. Men in skirts are par for the course, but you can expect much, much more. Fancy dress is an essential on match day in Edinburgh and you can expect to be wowed at every turn by exceptional costumes.
Brunch spots:
If there's one meal that Edinburgh does better than anywhere else, it's brunch. Urban Angel does the finest Eggs Benedict in the city and will bring you back to life whatever the result at BT Murrayfield.
A Good Cup of Coffee:
George Street and Dundas Street boast some brilliant coffee shops, pick yourself up with a long black and ensure you've got the energy for the journey home.
Blow the cobwebs away:
Edinburgh is blessed with its proximity to stunning countryside. If your post-rugby headache looks like persisting then blow the cobwebs to infinity with a stroll up Arthur's Seat. The extinct volcano boasts the best view of the city and is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable weekend.
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