It’s vital we start the game well says Dan McFarland

Trailing 12-0 and 19-7 at stages in the second half Ulster made a remarkable comeback to win at Murrayfield with the last kick of the game but Leinster have won all 22 games this season and can’t be gifted a head start.

“It definitely is (important to start well), it is in every game but certainly against a side like Leinster,” stated McFarland.

“We’ve shown the ability to come from scores down, I’m not saying you can’t do it against Leinster but you want to be in the game early.

“That involves a physical intensity and an accuracy that at the very minimum matches them, that’s what we’re aiming for.”

It’s been 14 years since Ulster got their hands on any silverware but McFarland doesn’t feel previous history will weigh heavy on his team’s shoulders going into the final against the defending champions.

“As a group we forge our own identity and we want to achieve for our own sake, it’s not a question of history for us, it’s a question of living where our feet are,” he said.

“If we go in and do our very best and win a trophy it’s something that will remember as a group forever, that’s what we want.

“On a personal level, it’s the ultimate measure of how you’re doing, there aren’t many coaches that get to do that (won the league title).

“It’s a team thing, and I think the biggest amount of pride would be in linking arms with fellas that you’ve worked so hard with over a period of time to achieve these things.

“Sharing those moments is what makes rugby great, it’s why I kept playing rugby instead of swimming. The pain and the joy that you share in the losses and the wins.”

McFarland makes four changes from the side that that beat Edinburgh 22-19 last weekend.

As well as captain Iain Henderson who is only likely to play 40 minutes returning in the second row and Alby Mathewson getting the nod at scrum half, full back Michael Lowry and flanker

Sean Reidy are promoted from the bench after their impacts at Murrayfield.

The coach has gone for six forwards and two backs on the bench, John Andrew and Nick Timoney all the only uncapped players in the replacements.

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