Pro12 Round 17 Matches to Watch

The 6 Nations takes a break this weekend, meaning that domestic rugby will have to do once again. While Super Rugby will on offer as well, many will turn to the Pro12 to feed their rugby appetite. With some mouthwatering matches on display this weekend, they should not be disappointed.

Matches to Watch:

Edinburgh vs Connacht:

Edinburgh sit fifth in the table, just outside a playoff berth. With that in mind, they will be aiming for a big win at home against a very talented Connacht side, and have brought some of their best players to bear against the Irish province. Connacht have started Denis Buckley and Nathan White at 1 and 3 respectively, and Edinburgh will have to watch Buckley like a hawk at the breakdown. Buckley has grown into something of a cult hero at Connacht, with his industrious work rate helping him to stand out. Scottish international Ben Toolis starts in the second row, where Connacht will be without the physicality of their 22 year old star Ultan Dillane. Hamish Watson and John Muldoon will bring a ton of physicality in defence, and I cannot wait to see these two meet in open play. Both Kieran Marmion of Connacht and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne of Scotland will look to run the game at a high pace, and both have the ability to break the game open with their darting runs. Connacht will want to see big plays from USA international AJ Macginty at flyhalf and former Chiefs center Bundee Aki. Both are playmakers and will require plenty of attention from Edinburgh inside center Matt Scott. Scott is something of a playmaker himself, but his recent injury struggles have held him back. Matt Healy has been scoring tries at will this season, so Edinburgh will need to mark him closely. The Gunners do have a weapon on the bench in Dougie Fife, who will doubtless make a huge impact when he comes on. It’s hard to say who will come out on top in this one, but Connacht seem to be the superior side in several regards. In the end, it will come down to the battle between the two packs, and I think Connacht have an edge in that regard.

Prediction: Edinburgh 12- Connacht 17

Leinster vs Ospreys:

Last time these two sides met, it was a close battle for much of the match, before Leinster finally secured a big win in the Liberty Stadium. Once again I think it will be a close match, but whether or not Leinster will be able to pull off the result without their large international contingent will be a crucial factor. Leinster will look for more progress from hooker James Tracy, who has made a huge impression since his first European start against Bath. His good work at the set piece, and clever play in the loose will make him hard for the Ospreys to contend with. Paul James may give Leinster a lot of trouble at scrum time, as his experience will be a great asset for the Ospreys. Ross Molony has stepped up big time for Leinster this season, and he and Mick Kearney give them a youthful second row, but the same can be said for Ospreys James King and Rory Thornton. Jack Conan gives Leinster great go forward ball, but he will have his hands full taking on Ospreys ginger giant, Dan Baker. Young Luke McGrath will have a great matchup on his hands whether the Ospreys choose to start All Black Brendon Leonard or Wales star Rhys Webb. Cathal Marsh and Sam Davies go head to head at flyhalf, and their contrasting styles should provide for some fun rugby. Josh Matavesi and JJ Engelbrecht give the Ospreys a very imposing center pairing, and they will provide a major test for Leinster’s likely duo of Ben Te’o and the mercurial Garry Ringrose. Jeff Hassler has been tearing the Pro12 to pieces over the last few years, and the Canadian winger will be looking to take advantage of a Leinster side that have a lot of youth in the back three. Look for a tight defensive battle in this one, with plenty of territorial play. Both sides are known for doing what it takes to win, rather than just playing fun rugby for the sake of it. In this case I think Leinster do have a stronger side, and will be able to sneak away with a result.

Prediction: Leinster 18- Ospreys 15

Glasgow vs Cardiff:

Neither of these two sides has had the season they would have wanted, but both like to play fun rugby and are not afraid to throw the ball around. Cardiff’s new look side will be encouraged by their 10 point win over Ulster, while Glasgow snuck past Newport Gwent Dragons. Cardiff have plenty of size up front, with the likes of Kristian Dacey and Salesi Ma’afu on offer. Glasgow will call upon Fraser Brown as well as Zander Fagerson and Gordon Reid to take on the Blues. Greg Petersen and Leone Nakarawa give Glasgow athletic options in the second row, but the physicality of Jarrad Hoeata will allow Cardiff to counteract that edge. Josh Turnbull and Manoa Vosawai add a lot of punch to the Cardiff backrow, but they will need every ounce of it, as they are likely to face the likes of Simone Favaro and Josh Strauss, who will tackle and carry with reckless abandon. Whether they elect to go for Rhys Patchell or Gareth Anscombe at 10, the Blues will look to attack the line at pace. Patchell has a stellar boot, so Glasgow cannot afford to give away penalties in their own half. The Scottish side is likely to start experienced international fly half Duncan Weir, whose composure will be a great asset should the game come down to a fine margin. Rey Lee-Lo has made a huge impression since the World Cup, and the Samoan international will add a lot of spark to this Blues backline. American Blaine Scully gives Cardiff a great option under the high ball, and fullback Dan Fish has great pace out wide. Glasgow will look to bring Taqele Naiyaravoro into the game early and often, and it’s not really hard to see why. In this matchup between these two struggling sides, we really think Cardiff have all the momentum, which is why we are sticking with them in our prediction.

Prediction: Glasgow 18- Cardiff 22