We are down to the last two games of the season and with both the playoffs and Champions Cup places still up for grabs there’s something riding on most games. Here are my round 21 predictions.
First here is a link to my round-up of last weekend’s action.
How did your round 20 predictions go?
6 from 6, my 5th clean sweep of the season!
Here’s my 30 second One Line Predictions with written reason below.
Benetton Treviso v Connacht Rugby
Put simply Treviso have been poor and Connacht will come away with an easy TBP win to help them towards a home semi-final.
Connacht Rugby by 20
Glasgow Warriors v Zebre
Glasgow will also pick up a TBP win to guarantee their playoff slot and also to challenge for a home semi-final if one of the teams above them slip up.
Glasgow Warriors by 20
Munster v Edinburgh
These two sides are fighting it out for a Champions Cup slot for next season. The thought of having a Champions Cup without Munster is shocking for most of us as they have been in that competition for so long. However they have been disappointing this season by their standards and it’s not a surprise that they in this position. They will be helped by the fact that Edinburgh don’t travel well and so I’m backing a home win.
Munster by 5
Cardiff Blues v Ospreys
Traditionally you’d expect Ospreys being the ones that would be challenging but this season they haven’t recovered from a poor start. Blues in contrast have and are on a run of four wins. For Blues it wasn’t just on the field that they have recovered from but also some off the field issues with the size of squad and lending players to the level below. But what ever has been going on they are now aiming to make it into a Champions Cup place. Being at home on their synthetic and with the better form I’m backing a home win.
Cardiff Blues by 7
Ulster v Leinster
The tie of the round is an all Ireland affair with 1st taking on 4th. Leinster could do with the win in their battle for a home semi-final but with Treviso up next it’s not essential. Ulster on the other hand are only one point a head of Scarlets for a playoff spot and the win is crucial. This is one where I think the home team will have the advantage and so like the public voting I’m going for a narrow win.
Ulster by 3
Newport Gwent Dragons v Scarlets
Dragons had a great run in the Challenge Cup in making the semi-finals which must have taken a toll on the squad. With them sitting in 10th and their season is now over we’ll have to see how much their minds are on the beach. Scarlets need the win after slipping out of the playoff spots. They need a TBP win to put pressure on Ulster, I’m not sure that they will get that but I expect they will get the win.
Scarlets by 7
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