We’re into week five of the new Guinness Pro14 competition, and the Irish lads are determined to dominate again, with Ulster winning four from four and competition favourites Leinster and Munster winning three.
Scarlets sprung a surprise for the rugby betting world, winning last season’s Pro12 after losing their first three games, so the Irish have a score to settle.
The Pro14 now spans both hemispheres with the introduction of two South African sides, Cheetahs and Southern Kings. They’ve had mixed rugby results so far with the Cheetahs settling rather better than the Kings.
ROUND 5 FRIDAY:
Cheetahs vs Ospreys
It will be bouncing at the Free State Stadium after South Africa’s Cheetahs return following the stunning 38-19 win over Leinster last time out. The kicking of Ernst Stapleberg was impeccable and Ospreys, with just one win so far, need to avoid giving away unnecessary penalties.
ROUND 5 SATURDAY:
Leinster vs Edinburgh
The weekend starts with a big game at the RDS Arena where Leinster, with three Conference B wins, take on Edinburgh. Leo Cullen’s men were shocked by a heavy defeat to Cheetahs last week, though Barry Daly starred with a hat-trick. The visitors have lost two on the bounce following two opening wins, and I suspect Leinster will roar back here.
Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton
Glasgow top Conference A with four wins, the last over Munster, while Italy’s Benetton has recovered well with two wins over Ospreys and Edinburgh after a tough opening where they faced Ulster and Munster.
Scarlets vs Connacht
2017 Pro12 champions Scarlets have won three games so far, the last a 28-8 bonus point victory over Edinburgh, whose prop Michele Rizzo was sent off. Connacht is the Irish struggler with just a solitary win so far and will find it hard to add to that in Wales.
Zebre vs Ulster
Jono Gibbes’ Ulster takes a trip to Italy, having made a storming start at the top of Conference B with four wins. Number eight Nick Timoney went over twice as Ulster destroyed Dragons 52-25 last week. Zebre won its first game, away at Kings.
Munster vs Cardiff Blues
Having finished as runners-up in last season’s competition, Munster are second in the early stages of Conference A with three wins and one defeat. Cardiff are bottom but did get their first win last week, edging out Connacht 17-15.
ROUND 5 SUNDAY:
Dragons vs Southern Kings
Second bottom of Conference B, the Gwent Dragons have just one win so far, but will have high hopes of adding to that with the visit of South Africa’s Kings, the only team yet to get off the mark.
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