The Irish full-back knows many of today’s opposition very well after a decade in the national squad and praised Leinster’s all-round game as he prepared to lead out the Tigers team against his home province at Murrayfield.
Murphy said: “A few weeks ago everyone was saying that whoever won the all-Irish semi-final would go on to win the final so that has to make Leinster the favourites.
“While Leinster have always had a world-class backline, now they also have the forward power to maximise those strengths. They have got strength across the board and you cannot single out any individual.
“On top of all that, Leinster have never won the Heineken Cup and that will make them an extremely hungry side and gives them the desire to beat us.”
Murphy has twice won the Heineken Cup with Tigers, playing a key role in the 2001 and 2002 successes. He would love to add a third title, particularly for the club’s supporters.
“The Heineken Cup is the premier European club competition and we would dearly love to win it for a third time,” he said.
“The Heineken Cup means a tremendous amount to this club and we have a great relationship with the tournament.
“We want to reward our fans who spend so much time and money following us, and the best way of doing that is to win silverware.
“At Leicester we are completely aware that you have to earn everything, you cannot take anything for granted.”
