It’s back to domestic action for the festive period and the Pro12 has saved it’s derby fixtures. Here’s how I see the games going.
How did your round 10 predictions go?
5 from 6, so close!
Here’s my “60 second” predictions, for the reasoning behind it read below.
Ulster v Connacht Rugby
Both these sides had some good results over the last couple of weeks in Europe. Connacht seem to have reacted well to the news that Pat Lam is moving on at the end of the season. With both being in the Champions Cup there’s been no rest and with Ulster being at home with a deeper squad I’m backing them to win here.
Ulster by 7
Benetton Treviso v Zebre
When the Italian sides face each other it’s always a big battle as it will go a long way to deciding who ends up at the bottom of the table. I think that Zebre have the better side and so should take this game. As they have had 2 games postponed that will hurt them later in the season as they catchup those games. For now though that might even mean they are a little fresher.
Zebre by 5
Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons
Cardiff have slipped a bit from their early season promise but they are still a side that is on the rise. Dragons are 1 of those sides that drags the Pro12 down and especially away the competitive sides will be looking for the TBP not only the win.
Edit: It’s been pointed out on Twitter that I have been overly harsh here. That’s probably true but it does feel like Dragons only win on a Friday night at home. They really need to sort out the ownership situation and get a plan in place to grow the club.
Cardiff Blues by 15
Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors
Edinburgh are having another poor season, they are much better at home than away so it’s not quite as clear cut as some of the other games. However Glasgow know that they need to pick up the points now that they have their international players back. Glasgow will be desperate to make the playoffs in Townsend’s last season and so this is a must win for them.
Glasgow Warriors by 7
Munster v Leinster
This is a great clash with numbers 1 and 2 in the league going head to head. Not only are these sides going well domestically but also in Europe, so yup this is 1 to catch if you can. I’m going with home advantage to win the day.
Munster by 7
Ospreys v Scarlets
This is another great clash with third v forth in the league. Ospreys have had an easier couple of weeks being in the Challenge rather than Champions Cup. However Scarlets will being a lot of confidence into this game with their victory over Toulon last weekend. That double header will have been draining both physically and emotionally so I think this is 1 for the home side but could be a last kick of the game thing.
Ospreys by 3
#RugbyChat
Join the #RugbyChat on twitter for an hour of discussion reviewing the action on Tuesday. 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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