Match Thread: Pro14 Final - Leinster v Scarlets, Saturday 26th, 2018. Sky Sports, TG4

Leinster ****|v|Scarlets
Kearney|15|Halfpenny
Larmour|14|McNicholl
Ringrose|13|Williams
Nacewa|12|Parkes
Lowe|11|Evans
Sexton|10|Patchell
McGrath|9|Davies
Healy|1|Evans
Cronin|2|Owens
Furlong|3|Lee
Toner|4|Rawlins
Ryan|5|Cummins
Ruddock|6|Shingler
Leavy|7|Davies
Conan|8|Beirne
Tracy|16|Elias
McGrath|17|Jones
Porter|18|Kruger
Fardy|19|Bulbring
Murphy|20|Boyde
McCarthy|21|Evans
Carbery|22|Jones
O'Loughlin|23|Pridie


The second final for Leinster and a chance to achieve a first for any Pro 14 team. The teams have met three times this season and Leinster have been the better side in all three, although only marginally so in Parc Y Scarlets.

The bookies have Leinster 10 points favourites, but it doesnt feel like that will be the case. Since Leinster battered Scarlets in the Aviva, the bookies spreads have been a poor measure of performance. Betting against the spread would have made good returns for people backing Munster, Paris, Connacht and Treviso. Lately, Leinster have been winning a bit uglier.

The benching of Fardy and Jordi has raised eyebrows. They are ably replaced by Ruddock and Conan. Even with these changes, Leinster look to have the edge up front. Scarlets have a devestating backline and it is stronger than in the Aviva. Arguably, the Leinster back line is weaker than that day. The loss of Henshaw is always going to hurt. Swopping McFadden for Lowe gives something extra in attack but will cost in defence.

McGrath for Whiskey is a win, even though the Scarlets performance was probably JGPs best Leinster performance and seemed better than any of Lukes performances since. However, he is coming back from injury and every game is an improvement. He'll need to be his best today. If he is, Leinster's half backs can control this game. Scarlets last year was Johnny's worst game in years, lets hope the European game didnt get all his revenge out of his system.

Scarlets have been great again this season, but not as good as last year. While their two play off wins were excellent, they dont feel just as invincible as last year.

Its been a long season. A great season. 7.30 tonight will tell if its been the greatest season ever. With a Grand Slam and a European Cup some of these players have a chance to write their name even bolder in the (4th) stars.