Week 2: Weekend preview and Brian's predictions

Both sides lost their openers but Newport did run Connacht close at the Sportsground. Zebre were never in the game against Cardiff last week and were heavily beaten 61-13. Newport should see off an out of sorts Zebre side pretty handily.

BOD's prediction: Newport Gwent Dragons

The champions suffered a shock defeat at home last week to the Scarlets and looked like they were missing their internationals. Connacht on the other hand held off a resoloute Dragons side to record an important first round win. Last time these met Glasgow ran out winners but Connacht could spring up a shock here.

BOD's Prediction: Connacht

Fresh off the back of an away win against last years champions Glasgow, Scarlets come into this one in high spirits and will just about favourites. Ulster claimed a solid 28-6 win against Ospreys last time out but will be without Andrew Trimble due to injury. Has the potential to be a very good and tight game.

BOD's prediction: Scarlets

Treviso fought hard against Munster but were just edged out 18-13 at Irish Independent Park and played some good rugby while they were at it. Edinburgh put in a good performance last week against a young Leinster side and will be looking to keep to take that performance into this week. Fancy the Italians to claim a win here.

BOD's prediction: Treviso

Leo Cullen would have been disappointed to lose his first game as Leinster boss but his young side fought well and were in the game bar the last 5 minutes. They'll be looking to get their home campaign off to a good start against a Cardiff side who ran riot last week against Italian side Zebre. Rhys Patchell the man to watch at 10. Should be a close encounter but Leinster at home just favourites in this one.

BOD's prediction: Leinster

Both put in unconvincing performances last week with Ospreys been brushed aside pretty easily by Ulster, while Munster were not at their best at home against Treviso, edging them out by only 5 points. This is a rematch of last years semi final which Munster won 21-18 but Ospreys at home, might just make them favourites to claim their first win of the season.

BOD's prediction: Ospreys

Week 1: 7/9 (78%)