Round Two of the RaboDirect PRO12 sees the introduction of two new grounds into the competition, and the return to an old favourite. Tournament newcomers Zebre play their first home game at the Stadio XXV Aprile in Parma when Connacht are the visitors. Both teams are looking for their first victory this season, and the hosts will be hoping to improve on their opening performance.
CLICK HERE FOR 12 PAGE STATO Supplement
The second new ground will be Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, the new home to Glasgow Warriors. The stadium has already played host to the IRB World Sevens Series in May, and will feature in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Friday night sees Warriors take on Scarlets, who do not boast a very good record in Scotland, in the first ever RaboDirect PRO12 game at the ground.
[youtube 1TADyXC2K0g]
In a battle of the capital cities, Edinburgh Rugby also face Welsh opposition on Friday night, but this time in the Principality as they travel to Cardiff to take on a Blues team who have returned to their spiritual home at Cardiff Arms Park, a venue where they won both home games played there last season.
In the final fixture on Friday night Benetton Treviso face Munster in one of the most iconic of RaboDirect PRO12 stadia, Thomond Park. Treviso may have beaten Munster last season, but not on their own patch, and face a tough task if they wish to come away from Limerick with the points, however Treviso did lower the colours of the reigning champions, Ospreys, in last week’s opening game.
The round wraps up with two games on Saturday, both Irish-Welsh affairs. Leinster host table topping Newport Gwent Dragons, and must be hoping they can maintain their home unbeaten run against the visitors, whilst Ulster travel to the Liberty Stadium to take on title holders, Ospreys, a venue where the Ulstermen have not won since 2009.
