We are nearly a quarter of the way through the season and already we can see a clear split between the top and bottom halves of the competition. This is the last round before the Europe competitions kick-off and here are my round 6 predictions.
First here is a link to my round-up of all the action from last weekend around the globe.
How did your round 5 predictions go?
5 from 6, my faith in the Blues was misplaced.
Here’s my predictions and you can read below for my thoughts behind them.
Ospreys v Cardiff Blues
Both these sides started the season impressively and gave rise to the view of a Welsh provide upsurge. When you look a little closer though Ospreys reputation was built off the back of wins over the Italian sides and Connacht. Since then they have lost their 2 games against top half of the table opposition. Cardiff though might be the real deal having beaten Munster and Glasgow so I’m backing an away win here.
Cardiff Blues by 5
Edinburgh v Benetton Treviso
Put simply this should be a TBP win for Edinburgh as they try to prove they aren’t a bottom half team. Treviso have shown some fight but that’s at home not after they have been on a plane.
Edinburgh by 10
Connacht Rugby v Ulster
Connacht got their first win of the season last weekend but it was against Edinburgh. Ulster are the only remaining unbeaten team and I expect them to carry that through this weekend.
Ulster by 10
Leinster v Munster
This promises to be a real humdinger! The old rivals both back at the top end of the table and facing off for the first time this season. If you look a little closer though both sides reputation has been helped by a relatively easy schedule. This is going to be a real test and give us an indication of who might go on to make a real challenge for the title. At this stage I think that home advantage is going to be the deciding factor and I’m so looking forward to this one.
Leinster by 5
Zebre v Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow have had a couple of hiccups this season but I can’t see anything other than a TBP won here. Zebre were really unlucky that the Connacht game was called off when they were in the lead and that might have taken the wind out of their sails.
Glasgow Warriors by 15
Scarlets v Newport Gwent Dragons
Scarlets have come down to earth after a really good last season. 2 wins against fellow strugglers has breathed some life into their campaign and this weekend is a great chance to continue that. Dragons are going to have a long season as the off field issue of ownership continues to drag on. Until that is sorted out I can’t see them getting much joy on the pitch.
Scarlets by 10
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion about the action this weekend. If you can’t make the hour then you can still give your view as the conversation keeps going over the following day.
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