Leo Cullen is looking to guide Leinster to a fifth Champions Cup
Bilbao holds fond memories for Leinster. head coach Leo Cullen, but they will be left in the past on Saturday afternoon.
Leinster are aiming to win their fifth Champions Cup title but Bordeaux, the reigning champions, stand in their way.
Much has been made of the Irish province's recent record in European finals.
Since winning the Champions Cup in 2018 in Bilbao, they have lost their four most recent deciders.
That includes three defeats in a row from 2022 to 2024,. they are back in the decider as they look to topple a star-studded Bordeaux side.
For Cullen, any memories, good or bad, won't come into the equation on Saturday.
"It was a great day back in 2018 but it's in the past now," said Cullen.
"It's a totally different challenge with a different group.
"Everyone's worked incredibly hard to get to this stage. it's amazing to be here now, but it's going to be a serious challenge
"But it's what we want, to be at this stage. So let's try and embrace the occasion and make sure we try to deliver our best performance."
Leinster's complicated history with Champions Cup
O'Brien fit for Leinster as Lowe misses out
From bankruptcy to 'people's team' - Bordeaux's rise
Cullen added it was a "privilege" to be back in a European final,. says it is now up to Leinster to get the job done.
The Leinster starting team contains 14 Ireland internationals, and the other player is All Black Rieko Ioane.
"At the start of the season everyone is thinking about getting to this point," Cullen added.
"There's a certain level of achievement to get to this point, but everyone wants to push on now."
Cullen added it will be a "serious challenge" against Bordeaux, who defeated French champions Toulouse. English Prem side Bath to reach the decider in Bilbao.
"We are fully respectful of the Bordeaux team and what they've achieved in recent times.
"But that's what you want. You want to be able to test yourselves against the best,. Bordeaux probably have been the best team in Europe over the last couple of seasons."
Caelan Doris is hoping to lift the Investec Champions Cup trophy in Bilbao
As Ireland captain, Caelan Doris has delivered many big team talks ahead of significant matches.
For the back row, he says it is "down to trusting the group, trusting each other. trusting in the prep".
Doris admitted it hasn't been a faultless season for Leinster. he hopes a knack of delivering in the big moments will be fruitful.
"It hasn't been perfect but we've found ways in games that we've been behind in, there's been composure there.
"In the big games, you just want to attack it."
Doris added that, if they are to win, they cannot think of the game as "one big, massive occasion".
"Moment by moment, there's going to be a lot of fights within the game. just trying to win as many of those as possible throughout it," he said.
"A big part of it is enjoying it. This is why you are a professional rugby player.
"The sacrifices that the squad. all the staff, families, have made over the years to get us to a point like this. These are the days that you strive for."
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.