Wilson looks for his own slice of history

That day holds fond memories for the one-cap Ireland international, who made the switch to Franklin's Gardens in 2008 following five years with Ulster. However now he is on a mission to break Irish hearts at the Millennium Stadium in five day's time.

"I went down to that game on the train with my parents and I've never experienced anything like it at club level," re-called Wilson, now 29.

"Ulster took over Dublin that day. Everywhere you went there were Ulster supporters with their red and white flags. It was an unbelievable experience and the type of memory you cherish.

"I thought it was something I wanted to be involved in in the future and moving to Northampton was the best chance for me to do that and it's proving true.

"It would be brilliant to win. It's all good and well getting to the final and enjoying the experience but at the end of the day, you want that winners' medal. Nobody remembers the runners-up."

Northampton have never triumphed over the stylish Dubliners in Europe and Wilson is more than aware of the threat Leinster pose. He admits the Saints will have to step up a gear but insists they have what it takes to come up trumps.

Wilson said: "We're massive under dogs because Leinster are the number one ranked team in Europe. People think we're just happy to be here but it's about us proving them wrong.

"It's going to be a big step up. They don't have any weaknesses and to win the game everyone of us will have to be at our best.

"Everyone of us needs to play the best game of our lives. It's within our capabilities but it's a massive ask."

A key area will be the forward battle and with a fierce front row of Soane Tonga'uiha, Dylan Hartley and Brian Mujati, complemented by the likes of Courtney Lawes and Tom Woods, Leinster are faced with a daunting task.

Wilson has been impressed by the steel of the Leinster forwards this season but hopes the Saints' juggernaut pack will have the edge.

"Leinster's set-piece has improved massively. They've always had the backs but maybe didn't have that killer instinct up front.

"Now they're certainly one of the top ranked packs and they've dominated a lot of games up front.

"But Soane has been unreal for us. His scrummaging is unbelievable and he's all over the place making carries and charging down kicks.

"Perpignan have one of the best scrums in Europe but we got on top of them in the semi-final.

"We have good scrum stamina, it's quite rare to have guys running around and scrummaging with that ferocity for 80 minutes.

"It's a big area that we'll target and hopefully we can get some dominance there. Hopefully Leinster won't be able to cope with that."