Shaun Goosen takes a look at this weekend’s Pro 14 fixtures set to kick-off on Friday 19 March.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Friday 19 March
Munster v Benetton
20h00
Thomond Park
To Win Match
Munster 1/100
Draw 35/1
Benetton 13/1
Conference A leaders Munster face last-placed Benetton at Thomond Park on Friday.
The hosts will be looking to head into next week’s final against Leinster high on confidence without picking up injuries, and a match against the side that has lost all 13 of the matches they’ve played this season is perfect for them.
They should have no problems dealing with this Benetton team at home.
Verdict: Munster 1/100
Ulster v Zebre
22h15
Kingspan Stadium
To Win Match
Ulster 1/50
Draw 40/1
Zebre 12/1
Ulster can end their season off on a high by claiming a win over Zebre at the Kingspan on Friday.
While they will be disappointed at having fallen short of a final berth, Dan McFarland’s side have plenty to look ahead to. Despite the departure of cult hero Marcell Coetzee, they will be a force again next season.
Zebre, who occupy the bottom of Conference A, have won just four times in 15 and shouldn’t offer too much here.
Verdict: Ulster 1/50
Leinster v Ospreys
22h15
RDS Arena
To Win Match
Leinster 1/50
Draw 40/1
Ospreys 12/1
Leinster should see off Ospreys at the RDS Arena on Friday.
In the Ospreys, Leo Cullen and his troops will certainly face a tougher test than final opponents Munster this weekend, but that shouldn’t be a problem. They’re such a devastating side that they should have no issues here.
The much-improved Ospreys have done enough to qualify for the Champions Cup but may end their season off on a loss.
Verdict: Leinster 1/50
Sunday 21 March
Dragons v Glasgow
17h00
Millennium Stadium
To Win Match
Dragons 21/20
Draw 20/1
Glasgow 81/100
Dragons face Glasgow at Millennium Stadium on Sunday with the latter still in with a shot at qualifying for the Champions Cup.
The Warriors are fourth in Conference A, six-points off Conference B fourth-placers Cardiff but with a game in hand. A big win here would keep up the pressure on the Blues, who have just one game left.
Dragons, though, are four-points off Glasgow but may falter against a more motivated side.
Verdict: Glasgow 81/100
Monday 22 March
Scarlets v Connacht
22h00
Parc y Scarlets
To Win Match
Scarlets 59/100
Draw 20/1
Connacht 29/20
Scarlets host Connacht at Parc y Scarlets on Monday with both sides having qualified for the Champions Cup.
The hosts are third in Conference B, trailing Connacht by an unassailable nine-points with one match to go. They can close that gap with a win here though.
Connacht have been very good this season and deserve their handsome spot in second. They will look to close the campaign with a bang here.
Verdict: Connacht 29/20
Cardiff v Edinburgh
22h00
Cardiff Arms Park
To Win Match
Cardiff 59/100
Draw 20/1
Edinburgh 29/20
Cardiff host Edinburgh at Cardiff Arms Park looking to cement Champions Cup rugby next season.
The Blues need a win here to guarantee themselves qualification to Europe’s elite competition and they should manage to do that here.
Edinburgh, with two matches left this season, have been a shadow of the side that topped Conference B last season.
Verdict: Cardiff 59/100
Written by Shaun Goosen.
