Weekend Preview

Before another massive weekend of rugby action, we take a look at some of the biggest match ups from across the globe.

Leinster vs Munster

The highlight of this weekend’s Pro12 action undoubtedly comes from Dublin, where Leinster and Munster will renew their fierce rivalry in front of a capacity Aviva stadium crowd. Despite both sides showing mixed form so far this season, this particular match up never seems to disappoint, as both provinces will be desperate to secure bragging rights over their close rivals. Leinster go into to this one off the back of an at-times convincing win over the Cardiff Blues last Saturday. I say at-times, as Leinster were by no means back to their rampaging best last week, and are still quite a distance off from erasing the memory of their two recent defeats this season against Connacht and Glasgow. Matt O’Connor has made three changes to the Leinster line up, with Jack McGrath, Mike McCarthy and Sean Cronin all returning to what is a near full strength side. Munster on the other hand have made 8 changes to their team, which should come as little surprise after last Saturday’s miserable performance against the Ospreys in Thomond park. The bigger news however regards the replacements bench, as club captain Peter O’Mahony returns for his first appearance since shoulder surgery this summer. While his presence is a massive boost for the side, Leinster should be too strong in front of a partisan home crowd.

Bath vs Saracens

The big name clashes come thick and fast in the Aviva, and with Bath taking on Saracens on Friday this weekend is no exception. Sarries travel to Bath the only team still unbeaten in the Aviva Premiership, and will feel confident they can extend that run albeit against their toughest opposition to date. Bath have looked excellent so far this season, with George Ford continuing to improve at an alarming rate. They will be looking to rebound from last weekend’s loss at Northampton, and name one change with Gavin Henson coming in to start at fullback ahead of Luke Arscott. Saracens come into this one off the back of another convincing victory over Sale, but are forced into making a number of changes to what has so far been a settled side this campaign. Brad Barrit misses out with a calf strain, while Owen Farrell remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Too close to call this one, but what can be said without hesitation is that this match has the makings of an all-out try fest.

South Africa vs New Zealand

New Zealand may have wrapped up another Rugby Championship with a win over Argentina last week, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this one will be anything but all-out war. The rivalry between these two sides has always been fierce, no less so in recent years, with last season’s epic in Johannesburg many critics game of the year. The Boks now, more than ever, will be desperate for victory considering they haven’t beat the world’s best team since way back in 2011, a stat which will grow on their minds by the day. Both teams name unchanged starting 15’s, the only point of concern for either side being whether Duane Vermeulen recovers in time to take his place, or will his penciled in replacement Schalk Burger be unleashed on the Kiwi pack. This means young Beauden Barret continues at flyhalf for New Zealand, with Aaron Cruden playing ITM cup rugby this weekend as he continues his penance for his late night antics two weeks ago.