What does Jamieson Gibson-Park do when faced with Antoine Dupont again?
Leinster scrum-half Jamieson Gibson-Park says his side’s recent record against Toulouse is a confidence booster as the two most decorated teams in Champions Cup history prepare to meet in the 2024 final.
Leinster in Toulouse have won four out of five tournaments, but the Irish province won three in a row against their French rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
“I think we’re confident because we’ve had some good results against Toulouse over the last couple of seasons,” said Ireland international Gibson-Park, pointing to three games from 2019.
“But they have changed a lot since our last skirmish.
What does Jamieson Gibson-Park do when faced with Antoine Dupont again?
“They manage to break down opposition defenses with their impressive attacking play and international quality players like Jake Willis and Pita Ahki.
“They are on fire at the moment and so I think they will come into London with a lot of confidence. It should be a very good match.”
Leinster have not been crowned kings of Europe since 2018, falling just short in finals against Saracens (2019) and La Rochelle (2022 and 2023).
Toulouse’s last success came three years ago in a Twickenham win over La Rochelle in London.
“We expect our defensive system to make the difference in the final against a Toulouse team that likes to run with the ball.
“The aim is to do better this year, but Toulouse are in great form, so we expect a very tough match.”
Gibson-Park’s battle with France scrum-half great Antoine Dupont, who missed the Six Nations to focus on sevens rugby ahead of the Paris Olympics, offers an interesting final sub-plot.
“These are the moments where you dream of being in my position,” Gibson-Park said.
“He is the number one player, the best player in the world for the last few seasons.
“It’s a big challenge for players in our position. But it is the team that faces him.”
Leinster dropped Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier in favor of Will Connors, the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year started on the bench and full-back Hugo Kenan returned to the starting line-up after injury.
Jamie Osborne continues to partner Robbie Henshaw in midfield with Gary Ringrose still sidelined through injury.
Toulouse are unchanged from their semi-final win over Harlequins, with skipper DuPont alongside fly-half Romain Ntamak.