Glasgow v Munster
A meeting between the top two in Conference A. With both sides looking to maintain their winning starts to the season, something has to give at Scotstoun this Friday night. On paper Munster have looked the most impressive in racking up two bonus-point wins alongside a hard-fought win away to the Ospreys last weekend. However Glasgow have shown they are no mugs this season with away wins at Connacht and Cardiff to go with a thumping win over Ospreys at home in round two. Glasgow rode their luck against Cardiff last week so Munster will look to exploit that but in a match that could go either way, home advantage may prove key. Glasgow by 3
Ulster v Dragons
The Irish province are still on a high after their impressive victory over last season’s champions Scarlets and sit second in Conference B with three wins so far. Dragons finally got their season up-and-running with victory over Connacht in Newport last weekend, after suffering two heavy defeats in their opening games. Bernard Jackman’s side are starting to click into gear but coming up against an Ulster side that may include returning Lion Iain Henderson as well as Charles Piutau and Christian Lealiifano, this could prove to be tough match for this young Dragons side. Ulster by 8
Cheetahs v Leinster
Fresh off the back of their first Pro14 win against Zebre, the South African side will hope to maintain this winning run at home but face a tough prospect against a Leinster side who have secured three bonus-point wins so far this season. Having come out on top in a match including 13 tries it is clear that the Cheetahs will be an entertaining prospect for watching fans – both in attack and defence – although coming up against arguably the strongest squad in the entire competition, this may be one challenge too far. Leinster by 12
Benetton v Ospreys
The Italian side have improved with every game so far culminating in a comeback victory in Edinburgh last time out to record their first win of the season. Ospreys have been poor so far with a nervy victory over Zebre followed up by defeats to Glasgow and Munster. The anticipated return of Lions veteran Alun Wyn Jones for the match in Treviso will be a big boost for Steve Tandy’s side and despite the optimism surrounding the hosts after their first victory, expect the Welsh side to have too much class. Ospreys by 15
Connacht v Cardiff Blues
Connacht have endured a mixed start under new coach Kieran Keane with defeats to Glasgow and Dragons bookended by a win against the Southern Kings, whilst the Blues are still looking for their first win after three defeats to Edinburgh, Leinster and Glasgow respectively. Connacht were poor against Dragons in Newport but are a different prospect in Galway which has become one of the toughest places to go in European club rugby. Cardiff can take heart from the fact they were one missed penalty away from victory against Glasgow last time out although they are short on confidence and with Connacht desperate to bounce back following their own poor display, the winless streak may go on further. Connacht by 7
Scarlets v Edinburgh
Wayne Pivac’s side will look to bounce back after their first loss of the season last week, so will prove a daunting prospect for an Edinburgh side who suffered a surprise home defeat to Benetton. Both sides displayed some good attacking rugby in their opening two matches, and with Richard Cockerill likely to have worked his players hard this week expect an improved showing from the Scottish side, although whether it will be enough to stop the free-running Scarlets is another question. Scarlets by 12
Southern Kings v Zebre
Two sides winless so far, the pressure is on both sides going into this match. Lying bottom of each conference respectively, Zebre at least have one bonus-point to show for their efforts following their try-scoring blitz in defeat to the Cheetahs last week, whilst their hosts are still to get off the mark after three heavy defeats. The hosts will be confident of at least getting their first match points of the season, although the Italian side will surely take heart from their efforts in running in five tries in Bloemfontein however their discipline will need to improve after picking up two yellow cards last week. Zebre by 5
By Jon Davies
Some tricky picks, I’ve gone for mostly the same, however, I fancy the results to be reversed in the games involving the Italian sides.
osprey’s by 15….r u on crack cocaine?
Home advantage is the only factor in Glasgow’s favour this weekend, For the first time in quite awhile in this fixture I’d say Munster have the better backline and in the pack Munster still have an edge. Munster have look led better as well and imo Glasgow will need to pull something out of now here to win as no performance this season will be good enough on Saturday.
A rare moment of agreement here! I’d be surprised if Glasgow win given the teams that have been announced. They’ve kind of played like England in this year’s Six Nations – three games in, three victories, but they’ve not clicked. Hopefully this will be Glasgow’s Scotland game, but I really doubt it. Still, here’s to a good game and some scintillating (Munster) attack play!
David Rennie’s coaching will be key if Glasgow are to win. It’s Friday night, it’s at home, it’s the type of game us fans love, and Glasgow seem to thrive in. Glasgow have a better forward line that last week vs Cardiff, and hopefully it will bring more discipline. The back line however is considerably weaker, with certain players out of their usual position. It’ll be an interesting and exciting match, Munster are favourites, but Glasgow have a statement to make to the league. Going to be close this.
Agree TSL that Rennie’s coaching is key. Think Glasgow will edge it.
Ulster to smash a much weakened Dragons by 30 odd points.
Think the upset of the round could be Cardiff to win away at Connaught.
Well I didn’t see that warriors win coming but I’ll happily take it. Shades of 2015 Final all over again but without our FiWeegies.