Guinness PRO12 2014/2015: Round 13 Predictions

Connacht vs Edinburgh

Both these sides come into the game on the back of morale-boosting wins over their more illustrious counterparts from the same nation. Edinburgh’s win over Glasgow in the 1872 Cup saw them get their hands on the trophy for the first time since 2011, while Connacht scored some superb tries in horendous conditions to beat a lacklustre Munster at the Sportsground. Kieron Marmion and Robbie Henshaw, both of whom will surely feature heavily in the Six Nations, were superb, as were Kiwis Bundee Aki and Mils Muliana, who seem to be enjoying themselves under Pat Lam’s tutelage. Edinburgh can only boast one away win the league this season, but it was at least in Ireland over Munster. That said, Lam’s side have turned the Sportsground into something of a fortress, and I can’t see them losing this one.

Prediction: Connacht by 9

Glasgow Warriors vs Scarlets

Glasgow will be fuming at their loss to Edinburgh, especially as they failed to pick up even a bonus point against a side significantly below them in the table. It was only their third league loss, however, and back at Scotstoun, where they are yet to lose this season (again, just in the league) they will be confident. The Scarlets have enjoyed victory in Glasgow before, in both 2012 and 2011, but their away form this season does not make for pretty reading. Their five wins have all come at home, with only a draw away at Edinburgh to their name on the road. For that reason, it all points towards a home win this weekend.

Prediction: Glasgow by 12

Cardiff Blues vs Leinster

Cardiff have experienced a small resurgence in form over the festive period, winning three of their last four games – although a home loss to the Dragons on Boxing Day somewhat tarnishes that. Gareth Anscombe is beginning to find his feet and if his goal-kicking still needs some polishing, his play-making ability has been more than obvious. It is in stark contrast to where Leinster are. Despite an encouraging run of form (only one loss since October), they have not been putting in the kind of performance expected (whether fairly or not) of them; a far cry from the days of ‘Leinstertainment’. And when you delve a little deeper things aren’t actually that encouraging – their last two losses have been comprehensive and to great rivals Munster, and they drew with Treviso in November. One factor heavily on their side, however, is history – they have won the last nine instalments of this fixture. It should just be enough to see them over the line here.

Prediction: Leinster by 3

Zebre vs Munster

Zebre have been the better of the two Italian sides this season, despite what the table might say. Of course with the two Azurri teams firmly occupying the bottom two spots in the table, that doesn’t mean a great deal. Munster have had an up and down season, with two massive victories over Leinster keeping the fans happy enough despite a dearth of quality rugby and the disgruntlement at allowing one of their best young players, JJ Hanrahan, to leave for Northampton. They’ve never lost to Zebre, though, and I doubt that’s about to change.

Prediction: Munster by 15

Benetton Treviso vs Ulster

Treviso’s two wins this season have been over Zebre, the only other side below them in the table, although they do have that impressive draw with Leinster to their name. Ulster, similarly under-performing this season compared with the last few years, will not be taking anything for granted, especially after having lost away in Italy once this season already. The closest Treviso have come to success in this fixture in the past is a 29-29 draw at Ravenhill in 2013 – a hugely impressive result they’ve not really come close to reaching again. Their summer exodus has left them a weaker team than in seasons past, and this should be a fairly regulation win for Ulster.

Prediction: Ulster by 15

Ospreys vs Dragons

The Ospreys’ unstoppable early season momentum has been derailed somewhat in the past couple of months, but then they have faced a tough run of fixtures, and with visits to all of the Irish provinces bar Connacht under their belts already they’ll be confident of a strong 2015. This week’s opponents are having a fairly typical season for them; the Dragons have looked good in fits and spurts (especially that away win in Cardiff), but haven’t ever really looked like climbing above anyone else other than the two Italian sides. The Ospreys have won the last six instalments of this fixture, although last year’s game at Rodney Parade was a close affair, the Swansea outfit coming out on top by just two points. It’ll be a more comfortable win this weekend, although not a cricket score.

Prediction: Ospreys by 10

How do you see the weekend going?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images