All they have to do is beat a Blackrock College side looking for their 45th title and powered by the experience of captain Jack Kelly and fullback Andrew Conway, who were part of their ruthless 36-0 defeat of Gonzaga College in last year's final.

Of course, there was a time when St Michael's was nothing more than a feeder school to Blackrock. They stepped out of the shadows in no uncertain fashion by winning their first Senior Cup against Clongowes Wood College last Sunday.

Now it is the turn of Robbie O'Flynn's brigade to add to the two Junior Cup wins in 1991 and 2002. Certainly, it will take a great side to beat them in an above-average year.

"I have told the boys if they want to win the cup, it is all about defence, not offence.

We have conceded two tries in three matches and we were excellent against Newbridge's brilliant backline in the semifinal, " said O'Flynn.

The manner in which they kept a dazzling Newbridge backline in check in the semifinal, winning 12-10, was a testament to their sense of discipline and organisation.

Before that, Clongowes Wood College (25-0) and Kilkenny College (29-8) were put to the sword with merciless efficiency. Centre Alex Kelly is a formidable presence in the midfield, Chris Kenna is the shining light in a solid back row, captain Emmet MacMahon is a natural leader and out-half Cathal Marsh is a smart footballer.

Coach John Ryan has taken over from Frank Macken with the Blackrock JCT side.

"Rock have been most impressive in their march to the final. It began with a stunning 30-3 win over pre-Cup favourites Belvedere College.

"It has turned into an opportunistic team. That is a good thing. They tend to take their points when they are on offer. That was the case when we beat Belvedere 303 in the first round. Belvo went into that one as the favourites and everything clicked into place for us on the day, " says Ryan.

A solid CBC Monkstown outfit was beaten 17-3 in the quarter-final. Terenure College fell before the Blackrock machine 13-10 in the semifinal. It was a close call that could have gone either way.

"It was a fantastic performance in the semi-final. We saw Terenure as the best side in the competition, judging from their form through the season. Once again, we took our chances that day and Terenure missed their kicks, " he says.

Overall, Rock are welldrilled with every player confident of his role within the overall context of the game plan. Number eight David Walsh has toughened up and grown into his frame in the space of a few months. Second-row Kelly is their main ball winner in the middle of the line-out. Full-back Conway is the most dangerous attacker even though right wing Darren Westman is their leading try-scorer with four in three matches.

Verdict St Michael's BLACKROCK COLLEGE A Conway; D Westman, S Barron, G Stevens, C Fitzpatrick; B Geraghty, M Walsh; S Wjintjes, P Carroll, C Maguire, J Kelly (c), P Dargan, B McAleer, C Sheehan, D Walsh ST MICHAEL'S COLLEGE S Green; R Owens, A Kelly, M Craig, C Diamond; C Marsh, L McGrath; M Ludwig, F Barry, C Cusack, E MacMahon (c), P Dix, S McGarry, C Kenna, C Mallon POWERADE LEINSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP FINAL ST MICHAEL'S COLLEGE v BLACKROCK COLLEGE Today, Donnybrook, 1.00