It’s a revengeful Warriors’ team that found their way to a second final in a row. Losing to Leinster the year before - the Irish becoming the first club ever to retain the trophy - the stakes were up high on the Scottish front. That season also marked something huge rugby wise: for the very first time in the league history, Leinster started the season without Brian O’Driscoll who had retired after 186 appearances with the green jersey and one last title.
A good start
They were on a streak. After their 2014 campaign, Warriors kept going with the same intensity in their rugby. Sixteen wins at the end of the regular season and they easily and logically finished first of the ranking table.
Right behind, Munster didn’t have any reason to blush either. 75 points as well but one less victory and they were second. Play-offs didn’t seem to be a huge obstacle as they quickly took the lead against welsh from Ospreys (21-18).
The story could have been completely different for the Scot. Right before the 60th minute, Ulster was on the lead (6-17). Ulster was also dominating. It was then hard to know if the Warriors could turn the situation around. The stroke of genius came from Daniel Sander Merwe. One try, five minutes before the whistle was blown and the two teams were up to 14 all.
Then, it all happened between the feet of Finn Russell.
For his second season with the blue jersey, he had now the kick of the victory to kick. And he did it.
16-14. Warriors were off to a second final in a row. Exceptional. And the best was yet to come.
An ever better ending
This one might have been an easy one. Truth be told - they probably deserved it after such a long and intense season. And once more, they showed a team with much character.
Munster and O’Connell might differ opinion since their giant second row was playing his last rugby game. Not the expected farewell, but he’ll remain a name we remember as lock reference. A great player and a great man who gave so much to rugby.
Warriors quickly and easily scored three first-half tries and Finn Russell sealed the win with a fourth right before the hour was indicated on the clock.
With joy and emotion, Townsend’s men triumphed by 18 points (13-31) in a not very contested final but such a joyful one for the Scottish side.
Glasgow had never won the title. No - not a single Scottish team had won a professional trophy, and that’s something to remember. A remarkable day for Scotland. A date to remember. At last, a trophy for a Scottish club in the professional rugby history.
