Guinness PRO12 Previews Round 9
As the international period draws to a close, Ireland are the only PRO12 Union to record three straight wins during the autumn, victory over Australia at the weekend combined with their earlier win over South Africa, maintaining their third place in the World Rankings. Scotland, Italy and Wales also recorded some good victories but will be seeking more consistency during the 2015 RBS 6 Nations and going forward into the Rugby World Cup.
On the domestic front, the pick of the Guinness PRO12 round 9 action must be 3rd v 2nd placed game between Munster v Ulster at Thomond Park on Friday night. Munster are the form team of the moment, whilst Ulster have lost only one PRO12 game this season, so this is sure to be an epic battle.
Leaders Ospreys have a tough ask as they visit the RDS Arena on Saturday to face 5th placed Leinster, a ground where their hosts have built a formidable record. Leinster’s 24-all draw in Treviso last weekend was only the second occasion in PRO12 history where both teams have claimed a try bonus in a drawn game, the other being Scarlets v Ulster in round 1 this season.
Should Leinster lose on Saturday the winner between Scarlets and Connacht later the same evening, will overtake them in the table. Whilst current form may point to a home win in that game, Scarlets have not lost in the PRO12 at the Sportsground since 2011.
Glasgow Warriors, the final team in the Play-Off Zone, wrap up the round with their game on Sunday against Newport Gwent Dragons at Scotstoun, a venue where they have not lost a game since January.
Following this round of games, attention will turn to Europe once again where Guinness PRO12 teams Glasgow Warriors and Munster lead two of the five pools in the EPCR Champions Cup whilst Leinster are joint top in a third. All three will be looking to take some positive results from this weekend into the European competition.
