Domestic action returns just for this weekend before we break for the Autumn tests. Certain teams will want to build on their successes in Europe over the last two weeks, whereas others will want to forget and focus on all things Pro12.
Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton Treviso
Glasgow have had a fantastic two weeks in Europe. Destroying Bath, one of the top Premiership sides, and then getting the rarest of wins in the south of France, they have certainly banished the their Euro hoodoo for the time being. Treviso’s woes look here to stay, winless in the first two rounds of the new Heineken Cup, and more depressingly winless in their own domestic league. It would take a monumental effort from them to turn their season around in this fixture. Anything can happen in a two horse race but I think Glasgow, buoyed by their recent success will push on from here.
Prediction: Glasgow by 24
Leinster vs Edinburgh
Leinster’s domestic season has been very up and down but they got two important wins under their belt in Europe, even if they did make hard work of the victory over Wasps. They seem to be back to winning ways again. Edinburgh’s fortunes in Europe have also been good, though are hardly comparable. They were humiliated in their last away trip to Ireland and would no doubt like to give a better account of themselves here. Unfortunately for them, they’re a serious depleted side, with twenty players unavailable to start through injury or international duty. It’s worth noting that Wasps were able to put Leinster under serious pressure on Leinster’s own turf, so Edinburgh can look to that for some hope, however a win for them here is very unlikely.
Prediction: Leinster by 30
Ospreys vs Connacht
The Ospreys remain the only unbeaten side left in this season’s Pro12. They started their European campaign off well, with a thrashing of Treviso in Round 1, only to come undone by a blistering Northampton Saints who trounced them 34-6. Still, that remains their sole defeat this season, which isn’t a bad return by any stretch of the imagination. They are also chasing seven wins from seven, equalling the best start they’ve had to a Pro12 campaign since way back in the 04/05 season. Connacht have also made an impressive start, and are far and away the most improved side in this year’s competition. Both sides have been forced to make changes and I’m not sure which side will feel that more. This could be a much closer affair than form and league position would suggest. Ultimately if Connacht win this, it would be a huge signal to everyone that they are the real deal this season. However, despite losing some key players for this fixture, I think Ospreys will pull through.
Prediction: Ospreys by 12
Cardiff Blues vs Munster
This game, to my mind, is the trickiest to call this weekend. Munster had a poor start to the season (by their own standards) but not nearly as bad as The Blues, with only one win (against Zebre) and a draw (against Connacht). Both have faired well in their respective European campaigns but again, those results are not really comparable. The question is, can Munster bring that intensity from Europe back to bear in their domestic competition. Or will they slip back into their rudderless form from before the Leinster game? History favours the visitors, as does their form on the road this season. I think they’ll do it again here and be the only away victory in this round.
Prediction: Munster by 14
Llanelli Scarlets vs Zebre
Scarlets have had an interesting few weeks in Europe. A defeat to Toulon is obviously disappointing but the performance was good, and that win over Leicester Tigers is very impressive. Their domestic form this season hasn’t been the best, with six games played, two wins, two draws and two losses, so it’s no surprise to see them hovering in the middle of the table. I think they’re better than their position suggests and with an easy enough fixture this weekend, they’ll be looking for maximum points. Zebre had cause to celebrate last weekend with their first European win under their belt against Brive. They’ve never beaten the Scarlets though, and given the calibre of their respective opponents last weekend, I see the home side romping to victory here.
Prediction: Scarlets by 17
Ulster vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Ulster’s European hopes are pretty much dead already having lost two from two in the last few weeks. Their focus will undoubtedly be on building on their fine domestic form (that solitary slip up to Zebre aside) and winning some silverware in the Pro12 instead. No better chance to get maximum points will present itself than this weekend, when they face an under-performing Dragons side with only one win from six in the Pro12, and a single win thus far in the Challenge Cup. I don’t have any team-sheets but I would be very surprised if the Dragons pulled off a win here this weekend.
Prediction: Ulster by 20
What do you make of our predictions?
By John O’Brien (@tiptackler)
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images