Guinness PRO12 2014/2015: Round 14 Predictions

It seems like an age since we last had some PRO12 action. This weekend’s fixtures are overshadowed by the 6 Nations Championship, and as always during international windows, club teams are often shorn of big name talent which can leave traditionally strong teams significantly weaker and ripe for an upset.

Ulster vs Benetton Treviso

First up this weekend Treviso travel to Belfast, a daunting task at the best of times. Ulster’s recent form hasn’t been stellar but they’ve only lost once at home this season, and that was to Toulon. And with all respect to Treviso, Toulon they are not. Treviso’s only two victories this season in the Pro12 have been over fellow Italian table-proppers Zebre. When they last faced each other this season (back in January) Ulster only won by four, but this match is in Ravenhill, and Ulster should win fairly comfortably.

Prediction: Ulster by 20

Edinburgh vs Ospreys

This one is tricky. Edinburgh are missing several big names to international duty, but are having a good run of form at the moment, losing only two of their last eight matches. They face a table-topping Ospreys side who are also minus a raft of big names. Under normal circumstances I’d back Ospreys to win this handily, but I keep thinking about Ospreys’ loss to Edinburgh here around this time last year. With the Welsh side having such a long injury list and without their more experienced big game players, it’s not so hard to imagine an upset. Add to that Edinburgh having home advantage and I think they’ll manage to grind out a win, though it’ll probably be by a very slim margin.

Prediction: Edinburgh by 1

Munster vs Cardiff Blues

Munster’s recent form this hasn’t been good enough by their high standards(only three wins in the last eight games) and with no hope of going any further in Europe, all their focus must now be on the domestic season. Neither of Munster’s home grounds are the fortresses they once were and Cardiff can go to Cork with some confidence, having won three of their last five matches there, most recently a 17-6 win 2013. Judging purely on PRO12 performances this season, and with home advantage, it’s still Munster’s match to lose, but Cardiff are more than capable of causing an upset.

Prediction: Munster by 9

Llanelli Scarlets vs Connacht

Usually snapping at the heels of the Ospreys or fighting for a place in the play-offs, Scarlets currently find themselves in the lower half of the table. They have just one victory in their last five PRO12 matches but are unbeaten at home in their last twelve games. With other teams missing their internationals, it’s times like this that Connacht can run a team close and give them a scare (as they did to Glasgow this time last year). Connacht won the reverse of this fixture earlier this season and have never achieved a double over the Scarlets, so they’ll definitely be motivated. I still think Scarlets will prevail but it’ll be tough, as Connacht are by far and away the most improved side in the league this season.

Prediction: Scarlets by 5

Zebre vs Glasgow

If Zebre are ever to beat Glasgow this is their moment. While it’s true to say that Zebre are definitely missing some of their star talent, Glasgow have been absolutely decimated. They contribute the bulk of the Scottish national side and right now are ripe for the taking. Glasgow will be facing Ospreys in the next round and so will have one eye toward that fixture too, added to that their form on the road (all three losses this season were in away fixtures) and there is definitely the potential for an upset here. Still not convinced? Yeah, me neither!

Prediction: Glasgow by 9

Leinster vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Leinster have made up for their sluggish start to the season and are now happily (for their fans at least) back into one of the play-off berths. They may be with out many of their star playmakers but they are a side known for their strength in depth. Given Leinster’s home form over the last year and their record against the Dragons, it would be a very brave man to back a Welsh win here, the Dragons’ recent success on the road notwithstanding. By any stretch of the imagination, this match is Leinster’s to lose.

Prediction: Leinster by 13

By John O’Brien (@tiptackler)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images