Indeed, we've been here recently. Twice, in fact. Not only is the script remarkably similar to last week's Senior Cup final but it's a repeat of the 2003 Junior Cup final.

And unfortunately for Gonzaga, the outcome is likely to be no different. Like their senior team, this Blackrock side are a particularly formidable collection of players.

Playing a fluid game of rugby from one through to 15, their performances have had an ominous nature to them.

Having obliterated King's Hospital 73-0 in the opening round they showed their physical side by overcoming last year's champions in the quarter-final, absorbing Belvedere's forward onslaught to win 22-10. Their backs then kicked back into gear against Castleknock in the semis, recording a 31-3 win with Brendan Macken, Brian Kingston, Calum Rowden and Paul O'Shea all impressing.

Gonzaga's route here meanwhile has been far more arduous. On the more open side of the draw they still had to come through replays against both Pres Bray and Newbridge in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, relying on the opportunism of David Layden, who scored the decisive try in both games, to see them through.

Indeed such was the Kildare school's dominance in boh games that Gonzaga can consider themselves fortunate to still be in the competition.

Those tests will, however, have instilled some real character into the Ranelagh school's team, but it will take far more than that to stop Blackrock. The only way to do so is by denying their backs the ball, but, at this level, such a forward-orientated approach has no real effect.

And, in any case, Blackrock still hold the advantage there.

The day's end should have a familiar feeling to it once more as Blackrock secure another double.

POWERADE LEINSTER JUNIOR CUP FINAL GONZAGA v BLACKROCK COLLEGE Donnybrook, Today, 3.30