Shaun Goosen takes a look at this weekend’s Pro 14 fixtures set to kick-off on Friday 5 March.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Friday 5 March
Munster v Connacht
21h35
Thomond Park
To Win Match
Munster 3/10
Draw 25/1
Thomamd Park 28/10
Conference B leaders Munster can increase the gap between themselves and second-placed Connacht with a win over them at Thomond Park on Friday.
The hosts are nine-points clear at the summit following their 20-11 win over the Cardiff Blues in the previous round. They can widen that already significant gap with another victory this weekend over Connacht.
The men from Galway are six clear of the next-best Scarlets with a game in hand. They could struggle against a Munster side in-form here.
Verdict: Munster 3/10
Saturday 6 March
Zebre v Glasgow Warriors
15h00
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
To Win Match
Zebre 18/10
Draw 20/1
Glasgow Warriors 5/10
Zebre can stretch the gap between themselves and Glasgow when they clash at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday.
The hosts claimed a 26-15 home win over the Dragons in round 13 to see them rise to fourth in Conference A after Glasgow’s loss to Leinster. A win over the Scottish side would put them even further ahead.
The Warriors, though, are just a point behind with a game in hand and should have too much tenacity for Zebre this weekend.
Verdict: Glasgow 5/10
Ospreys v Dragons
21h35
Morganstone Brewery Field
To Win Match
Ospreys 3/10
Draw 20/1
Dragons 3/1
Ospreys should be too good for the Dragons at the Morganstone Brewery Field on Saturday.
After such a poor last season, the hosts have bounced back fantastically to occupy third spot in Conference A — 14-points ahead of Zebre in fourth. With a Champions Cup berth beckoning, they will be keen to bounce back from their loss to Ulster here.
The Dragons may be sixth in Conference A but only two-points separate them from Zebre, with a game in hand. They could fall to their Welsh counterparts here though.
Verdict: Ospreys 3/10
Ulster v Leinster
21h35
Kingspan Stadium
To Win Match
Ulster 17/10
Draw 20/1
Leinster 5/1
Arguably the showdown of the season sees Ulster looking to claw Leinster back at the Kingspan on Saturday.
The second-placed hosts are now six-points behind Conference A leaders Leinster with just two rounds remaining. A bonus-point win here would bring them right back into Dan McFarland’s side’s sights, but that’s a bloody tall order.
Leo Cullen will know that victory here would all but guarantee a fourth-straight final for the three-time reigning champions — but it won’t come easy. Ulster have fought valiantly all season and won’t go die wondering.
It what could well be Ulster’s last defining say this campaign. I’m backing them to come good here, though a bonus-point may be a stretch too far.
Verdict: Ulster 17/10
Sunday 7 March
Edinburgh v Benetton
17h15
Murrayfield
To Win Match
Edinburgh 1/10
Draw 25/1
Benetton 58/10
Edinburgh can keep their slim Champions Cup qualification hopes alive with victory over winless Benetton at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The hosts are six-points off fourth-places on Conference B, albeit with two games in hand. Two bonus-point wins then could lift them to within Champions Cup territory and they should find a first here.
Benetton have endured a nightmare of a campaign and may be set for a losing season.
Verdict: Edinburgh 1/10
Written by Shaun Goosen.
