Trinity face UCD in Donnybrook on Friday night, 7th March in the 62nd Annual Colours game…
On paper the boys from Belfield look hot favourites with a team filled with stars from the Leinster Academy, but thankfully for Trinity the game is not played on paper!
Both teams have had their highs and lows this season, with UCD leading Division 1A early on but eventually tailing off. An injury ravaged Trinity struggled up until Christmas but seem to be returning to a bit of form just in the nick of time.
Last season the squads played twice in Division 1B and split the spoils with each team winning their home game. In the last nine games between the two sides, UCD lead 5-4. All the recent games have been physical but very open running affairs, with both teams looking to keep the ball in hand and use their potent outside backs.
Recent history suggests that the underdogs may stand the best chance of winning Friday’s match.
Three years ago UCD were undefeated all season and Trinity beat them well in the last game of the season. Two years ago Trinity were in the middle of their AIL record breaking streak of 19 wins, only to be well beaten by a struggling UCD team who had not won a game after Christmas.
What is most certain is that 30 players plus subs will be reaching a landmark in their rugby/sporting careers when they take to the pitch in Donnybrook on Friday evening at 7.30pm. It will be a great way to spend the night before the Ireland V Italy game.
