Magners League Goes Down To The Wire
The destination of the Magners League trophy could go down to the wire. The top three title chasing teams will all be looking for an advantage when the Magners League enters its penultimate round this weekend.
Leaders Cardiff Blues, who have racked up 11 tries in their last two games, face a stern test of their championship credentials when they travel to Stradey Park to face the Llanelli Scarlets. The Blues have never won at Stradey, however should they buck that trend on Saturday they will set a new record for unbeaten away games since the region was formed in 2003.
Should the Blues come unstuck against their local rivals, Leinster look set to return to the top as they face bottom side Border Reivers at Donnybrook, also on Saturday. The last time these two side met, Reivers scored a rare victory over Leinster, who have won only one of their last three leagues games as their title chase seems to have faltered slightly. However a league record 15th successive home win would get them back on track ahead of what could be a final weekend winner-takes-all clash with the Blues.
The Ospreys face a busy close to their season with two games in five days before their final weekend trip to the Border Reivers. The Welsh Region travel to Glasgow Warriors on Friday night, and then Newport Gwent Dragons on Tuesday as they take up their game in hand over the leaders. Warriors have lost just once at home in the league this season but with a record of eight straight wins against Scottish sides, the Ospreys should travel to Rodney Parade on Tuesday very much still in the mix for the crown.
The weekend’s other two games will have little bearing on the final outcome of the title – but none the less offer intriguing match ups. Munster have not won outside Ireland since mid-February, and their opponents on Friday night, Edinburgh are looking to score a rare seasonal double over the Munster men. A home win at Murrayfield, coupled with defeat for Warriors, would see Edinburgh back in pole position to finish as the top-placed Scottish side.
Also on Friday two of the bottom three come face to face – with Connacht looking to record only their second win since December when they face the Dragons in Newport. Ulster, the defending champions, have a free weekend.