Guinness PRO12 2015/2016: Round 15 Predictions

Ospreys vs Edinburgh

The Ospreys recorded an excellent win last weekend away to Munster, whilst Edinburgh could only pick up a losing bonus against the Scarlets. Steve Tandy is determined that his side back up their away win and has been able to call on Dan Lydiate and James King to reinforce his pack.

Edinburgh’s limited try-scoring continues to be a real Achilles heel for them, but they will be delighted to welcome back Grant Gilchrist who has been sidelined since limping off during the World Cup. Sam Hildago-Clyne is also likely to make an appearance from the bench.

Having not been victorious outside of Scotland in the tournament since they visited Treviso in September, and with the Ospreys riding out the Six Nations period pretty well, a home win is most likely. Ospreys by 6.

Benetton Treviso vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Well it was long overdue, but remarkably Treviso did record their first win in a year when they defeated poor old Cardiff Blues last Saturday at the Stadio di Monigo. So what promised to be a reasonably comfortable trip for the Dragons looks perhaps a little more edgy now. New Treviso Head Coach Kieran Crowley modestly took no credit for their win last week but is optimistic that his squad are much better than their league position suggests. With the exception of Luca Morisi and Matteo Zanusso they are without their Italian internationalists.

The Dragons themselves are not setting the heather alight with their results, but are competitive and are rarely out of a game until the final whistle blows. Jason Tovey misses out on this one due to injury and is replaced by young fly-half Angus O’Brien.

Perhaps last week’s surprise defeat for the Blues will help the Dragons from falling into a similar trap of over-confidence. Dragons by 4.

Glasgow Warriors vs Munster

The Warriors are in desperate need of a win, being 15 points off the top of the table and having not won in the Pro12 since the end of November. For the second time they will have to play at their temporary home in Kilmarnock due to the state of the Scotstoun pitch. However, this was the scene of their victory over Racing 92 last month, so possibly not too much of a disadvantage. Munster will be looking to make up for their disappointing home loss to the Ospreys. The Warriors have a few returning internationalists in the shape of Duncan Weir, Sean Lamont, Gordon Reid and Tim Swinson, whilst the visitors welcome back Donnacha Ryan, Tommy O’Donnell and James Cronin (the latter on the bench).

If the Glasgow forwards can match Munster’s normal intensity then the home side should be well placed to do more with the ball. The artificial surface will also probably suit the Warriors slightly more than their opponents. Glasgow Warriors by 3.

Cardiff Blues vs Leinster

Just when it looked like Leinster were going to take control of the league they slipped up to the Dragons in Round 13. However things were put right in no uncertain terms last week against Zebre, thrashing the Italians 52-0. The Blues had completely the reverse experience as they helped accommodate the end of Treviso’s run of defeats. That should spark a reaction from Danny Wilson’s men who have the added bonus of seven returning Welsh internationalists into their squad.

It will be a close game, but Leinster have a bit more quality to draw upon, and importantly they tend to show more composure when it comes to converting their opportunities. Despite Cardiff’s relatively strong home form, Leinster’s extra bit of firepower up front should see them pick up the four points. Leinster by 4.

Zebre vs Connacht

Zebre tend to be a different animal at home than they are on their travels, and for that reason Connacht will do well to come away with the points from this encounter. The Irish team are sitting joint top of the table and are the highest try-scorers in the league, whllst Zebre shipped 52 points last weekend!

Connacht will travel with a strong squad of players and you feel that these sort of games are ‘must wins’ if they want to be involved in the mix come April. Assuming they play with their usual intensity, they will be too strong for their hosts. Connacht by 10.

Ulster vs Scarlets

Probably the game of the round on Sunday as first plays fourth, although only one point separates the teams. Ulster are the most ‘in form’ team having picked up 22 points from their last six outings whilst the Scarlets have struggled away from home since the turn of the year. Both sides had narrow wins against Scottish opposition last week, but it was Ulster that dominated their tie whilst the Scarlets were fortunate to come out on top against Edinburgh by a single point.

Home advantage is significant when it comes to Ulster; they are notoriously difficult to beat in the Pro12 at the Kingspan and the Scarlets will not have enough up front to change that. Ulster by 8.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images