Guinness PRO12 2014/2015: Round 3 Predictions

Munster vs Zebre

Munster seemed to be back on track in Treviso after a shaky start to the season against Edinburgh. They’ve named a strong side to take on Zebre in Limerick tonight and have never lost to any Italian side on Irish soil. Zebre languish second from the bottom of the table and are yet to score any league points this season. I’m the first person to say that in a two horse race, anything can happen, but it would take a shift of epic proportions for Zebre to come away from Ireland victorious.

Prediction: Munster by 25

Cardiff Blues vs Ulster

Cardiff are one for two so far this season. They were beaten convincingly by Glasgow last weekend and will need to pick themselves up if they are to get one over Ulster. The visitors are unbeaten, having clawed their way back to a draw against Scarlets in round one and getting five league points against Zebre. This one is not so easy to call. Last season both teams won their home encounter in this fixture. You could argue that momentum is with Ulster since they’re coming back off a win, but that win at home against Zebre so it’s hard to take much from that. Normally I’d be tempted to back the home side but I think Ulster have what it takes to get the away win.

Prediction: Ulster by 3

Connacht vs Leinster

Connacht confounded my predictions last week with a well-earned (and rare) away win against Edinburgh. They’ve started this season with two wins from two and have never had three opening wins on the trot. That dream will be under massive pressure this weekend as reigning champions Leinster roll into town. It’s not all rosy for Leinster however, they lost up away to Glasgow in Round 1 and it’s not unknown for them to slip up to Connacht in the Sportsground. Connacht’s victories have been against Edinburgh and The Dragons – with all due respect, hardly titans of the PRO12. Leinster, on the other hand, faced off and narrowly lost to Glasgow, last season’s co-finalists and easily dispatched Scarlets, one of the top sides in Wales. That and their pedigree have me backing the visitors.

Prediction: Leinster by 10

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Glasgow Warriors

It’s been a tough start for the Dragons this season with back-to-back losses. In fact they have had only one victory in their last ten Pro12 matches. They did manage an unlikely double over Glasgow last season and so can come into this game with confidence. Glasgow, meanwhile are one of the only two remaining unbeaten sides this year. The added spice in this encounter is that had Glasgow beaten the Dragons in either match last year, the odds are that they would’ve finished top of the table and with home advantage in the play-offs, something which undoubtedly cost them in the final. Form favours the Scotsmen, and so I reckon they’ll win the day here.

Prediction: Glasgow by 10

Llanelli Scarlets vs Benetton Treviso

Scarlets lost their composure against Ulster in Round 1 and allowed their opponents to sneak a draw. They were easily dispatched by Leinster last weekend but should go into this game with no trepidation. They’ve got an excellent record against Italian sides and furthermore managed to do the double over them last season. Treviso have their own problems, having slipped to five straight defeats in this competition and have a dismal record on the road. The home side should take this easily enough.

Prediction: Scarlets by 15

Ospreys vs Edinburgh

The Ospreys remain unbeaten thus far having dispatched the Dragons and Treviso in the opening rounds. They did lose to Edinburgh last time they played them in Scotland, but haven’t lost to them at the Liberty Stadium since 2009. Edinburgh have been immensely topsy turvy this season – who saw them going to Munster and getting a win, yet losing at home to Connacht of all teams! With a distinct lack of team sheets in front of me and limited form to go on, I’ll have to go with recent history between these two sides. In the last four match ups, victory has gone to the home side on the day, so I’m stumping for Ospreys.

Prediction: Ospreys by 17

What do you make of our predictions? Feel free to share yours below.

By John O’Brien (@tiptackler)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images