Pro12 Weekend Preview

With the quarterfinals of the European Challenge and Champions Cup settled, all eyes now return to the domestic leagues, for the last week of action before the 6 Nations. Some great matchups will bring out the best in many young players, and we expect to see some good rugby.

Matches To Watch:

Newport Gwent Dragons v Leinster:

While Leinster’s European form may be miserable, in the domestic leagues they have bounced back nicely. They currently sit one point behind the league leaders, and they will be gunning to claw back some pride after a record 51-10 humiliation at the hands of Wasps. Dragons have managed to hang on to a quarterfinal berth in the Challenge Cup, but they too were on the wrong end of a hammering last week. Leinster will be the favorites in this one, with experienced heads like Jordi Murphy, Fergus McFadden and Hayden Triggs in the starting 15. The biggest challenge for Dragons will be stopping the combination of Ben Te’o and Garry Ringrose. With quality players like Cathal Marsh and Luke McGrath inside them, these two are deadly. If Dragons can lock down their brilliant angles and offloads, then Leinster will be in for a fight.

Connacht v Scarlets:

Connacht have overcome their injury woes to claim a 4th place spot in the Pro12, while Scarlets are clinging to first place by the slimmest of margins. Heading to Galway will be a challenge for the Welsh club, and if they lose, Leinster have a good chance of taking first place from under their feet. This would also be a major benefit for Connacht, who could see themselves into third. Scarlets are the best away team in the Pro12 this season, a fact that will give them confidence heading into this crucial tie. Liam Williams will be returning to bolster the Scarlets, who will be looking for big plays from experienced outside center Reagan King, and talented fly half Steven Shingler. Connacht have some firepower out wide as well, with the likes of Bundee Aki, Tiernan O’Halloran, and the explosive Matt Healy. I suspect we will see a intense physical battle, and the power of Eoghan Masterson and John Muldoon could give them a major edge.

Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors:

After a barnstorming run to winning the title a season ago, Glasgow have struggled mightily this season, finding themselves in 8th place. They sit just one point behind their opponents for this week, Ospreys, and a win would give them a great surge of momentum during the 6 Nations. Ospreys will be looking to vent some anger after failing to reach the champions cup quarterfinals, despite their unprecedented victory over Clermont Auvergne. Sam Davies gives Ospreys a great replacement for Dan Biggar, while he is away, and with quality operators like Dan Baker and Sam Underhill in the back row, this Ospreys side is a major threat to any side. That said, Glasgow do have the means to negate that threat, with the likes of Leone Nakarawa and Taqele Naiyaravoro both poised to do some major damage.

Players To Watch:

Garry Ringrose:
The 21 year old Leinster outside center has wasted no time since making his first Leinster appearance this season. Many cite his searing break and brilliant play against Munster, but I look to Leinster’s only European win this season (and Ringrose’s only start) against Bath. In a fantastic performance, Ringrose totally outplayed England star Jonathan Joseph, making 95 meters with ball in hand, and a team leading 11 tackles.

Sam Underhill:
The 19 year old flanker has been a revelation for Ospreys this season. In their heroic win over Clermont Auvergne, Underhill made 18 tackles, highlighting his dominant work rate. He has drawn comparisons to David Pocock, and has even prompted Eddie Jones to invoke the “Exceptional Circumstances” clause in an attempt to keep him in the England setup. Underhill has a bright future, and there can be no doubt that he will be at the forefront as Ospreys take on Glasgow.

Denis Buckley:
The Connacht loosehead seemed poised to make an impact in this seasons 6 Nations, but an injury derailed that hope, for now at least. Buckley is a great operator, and should be looking to force his inclusion in the latter 3 rounds of the RBS 6 Nations for Ireland. Buckley’s low center of gravity makes him a nightmare when he gets over the ball at the breakdown, and he has a fantastic work rate in the loose.

Sam Davies:
The young Ospreys outhalf has been catching attention over the last few years. Davies has made the most of being stuck behind Dan Biggar in the pecking order, learning everything he can from the Wales 10. This means that when Ospreys have needed the 22 year old he has had no trouble stepping up to the challenge. His brilliant kicking has been a major asset for Ospreys all season long, and his 5 kicks for goal were the difference when the Ospreys defeated Clermont Auvergne.

Hallam Amos:
Wales coach Warren Gatland has allowed Amos to return and play for his club, which likely means that he is not likely to start against Ireland in two weeks time. That can be changed however, with a good performance from the powerful wing. Lining up against him is 21 year old Ireland 7’s star Adam Byrne, and Amos will see an opportunity against the much smaller Byrne. This is Amos’ chance to stake a claim over Liam Williams or Alex Cuthbert, so he will want ot make a big impression.