Magners League: Round 17 Preview
There is a full programme of Magners League matches this weekend, but the focus will be on the RDS on Saturday evening where victory for Leinster over the Newport Gwent Dragons would see them be crowned league champions for the second time.
The omens are good for Michael Cheika’s side as they look to defend their nine-game unbeaten home record against a Dragons side who have not won against Irish opposition since October 2004.
There are two other games on Saturday – both in the afternoon – with Heineken Cup finalists Munster at Stradey Park to face a Llanelli Scarlets team who will be looking to arrest a recent dip in form in the league which has seen them collect only one win since February.
The third Saturday game will see Ulster looking for their first win in four over Scottish opponents when they play Glasgow Warriors at Ravenhill.
The Ulstermen know that victory could be vital in their bottom-of-the-table tussle with Connacht for a Heineken Cup place next season.
Connacht will themselves be in action on Friday night when they face Cardiff Blues in the round’s third Irish-Welsh encounter, knowing they will need to win at the Sportsground to keep the pressure on Ulster.
The Blues will be looking for maximum points to keep the title race alive should Leinster slip up on Saturday.
The final game of the round, also on Friday night, will see the Ospreys looking to improve their record of 13 home wins in the league against Scottish sides when Edinburgh travel to the Liberty Stadium.
MAGNERS LEAGUE – ROUND 17 FIXTURES:
Friday, May 2 –
Connacht v Cardiff Blues, The Sportsground, 6.30pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland)
Ospreys v Edinburgh, Liberty Stadium, 7.10pm (live Setanta Sports 2/BBC Wales)
Saturday, May 3 –
Llanelli Scarlets v Munster, Stradey Park, 2.45pm
Ulster v Glasgow Warriors, Ravenhill, 3pm
Leinster v Newport Gwent Dragons, The RDS, 6pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland/S4C)