Murphy has no divided loyalties

Rugby:Geordan Murphy is determined to make European rugby history tomorrow by leading Leicester to a record-equalling third Heineken Cup title.

The Tigers, who won back-to-back European titles in 2001 and 2002, are also chasing a league and Heineken Cup double when they tackle first-time finalists Leinster at Murrayfield.

The Irish international Murphy was brought up in Co Kildare and along with his Leicester teammate Johne Murphy attended the same school, Newbridge College, as Leinster's Jamie Heaslip and Bernard Jackman.

Irish rugby is riding the crest of a wave following the Six Nations Grand Slam triumph, Munster's Magners League title and Paul O'Connell being been named Lions captain.

But Murphy will have no split loyalties in the Scottish capital, and nothing would bring him greater pleasure than for Leicester to seal an historic European hat-trick.

"There is a feel-good factor in Irish rugby after the Six Nations and that is fantastic for the country, but tomorrow it will only be about Leicester and Leinster," said Murphy.

"It is the premier European club competition and we would dearly love to win it for a third time.

"The Heineken Cup means a tremendous amount to this club - we have been there or thereabouts in most tournaments - and we have a great relationship with the tournament.

"I have played in three Heineken Cup finals, winning two and losing one, so I know all about both the elation of winning and the depression of losing.

"It really is a bitter pill to swallow when you don't win and we will be doing everything we can to get that win."

Leicester boast a vastly experienced side, both in international and European terms, but they have struggled in finals in recent years.

Last Saturday's 10-9 triumph over London Irish to seal the Guinness Premiership crown was only their third victory in eight successive finals.

The Tigers head to Murrayfield with momentum after 12 wins from 13 games, including the dramatic shoot-out victory over Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Cup semi-finals.

But Murphy believes Leinster's hunger to be crowned European champions for the first time makes them favourites.

"Make no mistake, we will be going into the game as the underdogs," said Murphy.

"While Leinster have always had a world-class back line now they also have the forward power to maximise those strengths and flanker Rocky Elsom has been possibly their stand out player this season, a truly tremendous signing.

"On top of all that, Leinster have never won the Heineken Cup and that will make them an extremely hungry side and give them the desire to beat us."

Leinster's side contains four Lions - Brian O'Driscoll, Rob Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Luke Fitzgerald - but Michael Cheika's men are also keen to claim role of underdogs.

Scrumhalf Chris Whitaker said: "If you are to win the competition you have to beat the best and Leicester are probably the best in the competition.

"They are a very physical team and a team full of experience, who know how to win these games. We will have to be at our best and match them physically.

"They have got strike weapons all over the field. To have a Lion on the bench in Harry Ellis just shows how strong they are."