Leinster backs coach Felipe Contepomi believes their Pro 14 final opponents Ulster have been building into one of Europe's best sides under head coach Dan McFarland.
It is the second time the two provinces have collided in the competition decider, Leinster having edged out Ulster in the 2013 final in the RDS.
Ulster pipped Leinster in dramatic fashion in the 2005-06 season - the northern province's only 'Celtic League' triumph - but that was when the competition followed a straight league formula with no playoff phase.
It is just two seasons ago, when Leinster were sweeping all before them in Europe and domestically, that Ulster were in some disarray. In a season marred by off-field problems, they only squeezed into the Champions Cup via the play-off.
Under Dan McFarland's stewardship they have improved substantially and at the weekend booked their place in the Pro 14 final with an away victory over Edinburgh.
Contepomi, a central figure in Leinster's victory in the then Magners League in 2007-08, argues that they have grown into one of the best teams on the continent.
"You always want to win and win trophies. It's great we are in this position. But we know how hard it is to win silverware. Particularly, when we are preparing to take on a very good side in Ulster. It's great to be in the place where we are.
"They are a very dangerous team. It's not only taking the lessons of what we've seen last weekend.
"I think they've been building into one of the best teams, definitely in this competition, and one of the best in Europe over the last couple of years.
"We have taken lessons on them from their (performance in the) Champions Cup quarter-final last year. We have taken lessons from them from when we played them two weeks ago. We are always studying them because they are a very dangerous team.
"They are only the second team to win a semi-final away from home, and that speaks hugely of them. And the way they won it, I'm sure they are on a high.
"They are building something special themselves. We are taking that all into account to prepare the best we can for a very difficult and good team."
Leinster received a boost with the likely return of lock James Ryan, who underwent shoulder surgery during the summer and who is back available well ahead of schedule after a recovery time of 10-12 weeks was estimated last month.
The jury remains out on whether Dan Leavy or Tadhg Furlong will be ready in time for the decider, with a decision being made closer to the game.
"I think it's a great boost, he's obviously a great player," says Contepomi.
"He's been unlucky with injury but he's made a good and quick recovery. Hopefully he'll be up for selection.
"Dan (Leavy) and Tadhg (Furlong) are making progress, good progress. But we'll give them time and see if they are available for selection closer to the game."
Leinster prop Andrew Porter, meanwhile, insists the province's unbeaten record will count for very little if they don't get the job done in the final.
Leo Cullen's outfit are seeking a third successive Pro 14 title in a row and their fifth victory in the competition in eight years.
For the first time, they have a chance to go the entire season undefeated, albeit this detail comes with the caveat that the campaign was a truncated one due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"These are the games that really mean everything," says Porter.
"It's the make-or-break [part] of the season. All our unbeaten run would be worthless if this weekend didn't result in anything but a win."
With the Leinster region, especially Dublin, now providing the bulk of young rugby talent on the island, the Ulster side that takes the field for the decider is, not unsurprisingly, well stocked with ex-Leinster boys.
Ian Madigan came off the bench to land the match-winning penalty at the death in Murrayfield while Jack McGrath and Marty Moore also finished the game. Jordi Murphy, Eric O'Sullivan and another Dubliner John Cooney were named in the starting line-up.
Porter, however, insists there hasn't been much back and forth between the Leinster players and their old boys network up north ahead of the game.
"I'd be a no-contact kind of guy. I'll talk to them after the game. All focused for this week. The heads are down and just looking forward to the weekend now, really."
