Weekend preview & BOD's predictions
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Weekend preview & BOD's predictions
Ahead of the Pro12 kick off, we get underway our weekly preview of the weekend's action. This week we preview all the Pro 12 games and the 3 internationals that take place and ask Brian O'Driscoll to give his predictions for the weekend.
In the pairs last 5 meetings, Connacht have come up victorious each time with the Dragons last victory coming in a 14-3 win in November 2012. Both teams are sides on the up so it should be a good game.
BOD's prediction: Connacht
Edinburgh vs Leinster, Friday (19:35)
Edinburgh will be looking to avenge last seasons final day defeat against Leinster with a win at Meggetland on Friday night. Leo Cullen will be looking for a win on his first competitive debut as Leinster's head coach. Edinburgh have a strong side out with some of their internationals back in the squad.
BOD'S prediction: Edinburgh
Ulster vs Ospreys, Friday (19:35)
Ulster went through the 2014/15 campaign without losing at home and welcome back influential winger Andrew Trimble back from the Ireland squad. Both finished in the top 4 last year and will definitely be up there again this year. Ulster will probably just have the edge over Ospreys in this one.
BOD's prediction: Ulster
England vs Ireland, Saturday (14:30)
Whatever both head coaches say, this is a big game for both teams. This is the last chance to impress for the sides and with this game being earmarked as a potential semi-final, the teams will be looking to get an edge over each other. The last time these sides met Ireland stuck to Joe Schmidt's game plan and saw off England 19-9 with ease. Tough one to call this as it could go either way.
BOD's prediction: Ireland
Wales vs Italy, Saturday (17:00)
On paper you've got to think that Wales are the clear favourites, they come into this game off the back of an impressive 16-10 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and the last time these sides met they ran riot against the Italians wining 61-20. Meanwhile Italy are not in the best run of form, they have not had an ideal warm up period losing both tests against Scotland. Could be a long day for the Italians on Saturday.
BOD's prediction: Wales
Glasgow vs Scarlets, Saturday (17:15)
Gregor Townsend's side will be looking to get their title defence off to the perfect start when they welcome the Scarlets to Scotstoun. Both sides defeated each other last year with Glasgow winning 16-6 at home and Scarlets defeating Glasgow 19-9 at Parc Y Scarlets. Glasgow had a 100% win rate at home so should see Scarlets off on Saturday.
BOD's prediction: Glasgow
Munster vs Treviso, Saturday (19:45)
Munster go into this one looking to avenge last season's play off final defeat against Glasgow. On paper this should be a home win with Treviso finishing in 11th last year and only recording 3 wins. Should be a straightforward bonus point win for Munster
BOD's prediction: Munster
France vs Scotland, Saturday (20:00)
Fresh off the back of a dominating performance over England, France welcome Scotland to the Stade de France. When these 2 met earlier on in the year, France managed to see off a dogged Scotland effort thanks to the boot of Camille Lopez. Scotland last week put in a flawless performance as they beat a struggling Italy side 48-7. This one could be close but France's forwards may just be too much for Scotland.
BOD's prediction: France
Cardiff vs Zebre, Sunday (15:15)
Both had pretty disappointing seasons and will be looking to get this campaign underway in the best way possible. These sides met each other on the final game of the league last season and Cardiff recorded a comfortable 29-5 win. Expect a similar result this weekend.
BOD's prediction: Cardiff
