What is it?The game of assault and battery has long been viewed by many south Dublin schools (and a few "outsiders") as ideal grounding for their students before they embark on careers in the business and legal professions.
So it's important?Important? This is the peak of a rugby player's career in Leinster. It doesn't get any better than this (honestly, have you seen the Leinster senior team in Europe over the past few years? It really doesn't get any better than a Leinster Senior Schools Cup final).
And it's competitive? Blackrock claimed the first five Leinster titles, but that was back in the 19th century, when they dominated the competition. Since then they've only added a further 60 titles. It's like the Scottish Premier League if the 'Rock were both Rangers and Celtic. Blackrock College win the Leinster title every second year on average, or have done until quite recently, when the contenders for the annual title increased from one. Still, Blackrock have started almost all 121 competitions as hot favourites. Next weekend, 2002 winners St Mary's College meet 2005 champions Belvedere College to decide who will begin as second favourites at the start of next season's competition.
So who'll win?Well, seen as Blackrock aren't playing we haven't a clue. But, in case you are asked for your thoughts on the decider, just say the impressive deconstruction of the CBC Monkstown line-up and scrum by St Mary's in the semi-final bodes very well for the Rathmines outfit's chances in the final against the team from Great Denmark Street. That should get you out of trouble, so long as it isn't a Belvedere College old boy asking your opinion.
Is this even worth knowing about?Look, how many matches do you know of where Ticketmaster actually consider it worthwhile to personally visit the competing schools to sell tickets? Every student from both schools will be at the RDS on Sunday (Lansdowne Road, of course, is off limits at the moment). And they'll be bringing the brass bands. So if you like to watch matches in relative peace and quiet, this one is definitely not for you.
... - DAMIAN CULLEN
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