Magners League: Round 14 Preview
All eyes this weekend will be focused on Thomond Park where table-topping Munster host second-placed Leinster in a match that could prove pivotal in determining the destination of the Mangers League trophy this season.
In the tradition of leaving the best until last, Munster is the final game of a round which kicks off with three matches on Friday night all of which see Welsh Regions on the road.
First up is the Newport Gwent Dragons’ trip to Galway to face Connacht at the Sportsground. Interestingly, the Welsh region’s only previous victory at the venue was their 32-14 win back in 2004.
Anglo-Welsh Cup finalists Cardiff Blues travel to Scotland to face Edinburgh at Murrayfield, a ground where the Blues have won on their last three visits, however Edinburgh are unbeaten at home in their last five Magners League fixtures.
Also on Friday, the Ospreys will be looking to bounce back after their exit from the EDF Cup with a victory against Ulster in Belfast, although the Welshmen have won only once in their last five away games against Irish opposition.
In the remaining game, the Scarlets host Glasgow Warriors at Parc y Scarlets. History shows the result of these fixtures tends to go with home advantage.
The Scarlets will be hoping that remains so as they build on their reputation at their new home.
MAGNERS LEAGUE – ROUND 14 FIXTURES:
Friday, April 3 –
CONNACHT v Newport Gwent Dragons, The Sportsground, 6.30pm
Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues, Murrayfield, 7.30pm
ULSTER v Ospreys, Ravenhill, 7.35pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland/Setanta Sports 2/BBC Wales)
Saturday, April 4 –
Scarlets v Glasgow Warriors, Parc y Scarlets, 5.30pm (live S4C)
MUNSTER v LEINSTER, Thomond Park, 7.30pm (live Setanta Sports 1/Setanta Sports 2)