The Pro14 is back again this weekend with a full set of fixtures for punters to sink their teeth into. Our man Shaun Goosen previews.
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Friday 1 January
Scarlets v Dragons
19h15
Parc y Scarlets
To Win Match
Scarlets 2/11
Draw 22/1
Dragons 39/10
Scarlets will be confident of claiming a second local scalp in succession when they host the Dragons at the Parc y Scarlets on Friday.
Last week, Glenn Delaney’s team pipped Ospreys by two points at the death. They are level on 20-points with Connacht in Conference B, albeit having played a game more. With Liam Williams back in training ahead of a possible return to action, they will be confident.
Dragons will welcome back international centre Nick Tompkins but will be without fellow Wales teammates Rhodri Williams and Sam Davies.
Verdict: Scarlets 2/11
Back the men from Llanelli to continue the form which has seen them win three on the spin in all competitions.
Cardiff Blues v Ospreys
21h35
Cardiff City Stadium
To Win Match
Cardiff 13/20
Draw 18/1
Ospreys 13/10
Cardiff host Ospreys in the second Welsh derby of New Year’s Day on Friday at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The hosts snuck a one-point win at Rodney Parade last week to remain fourth in Conference B. Just two points from second, the Blues cannot afford to lose focus in the weeks ahead.
Level on points with the Dragons, and with unbeaten Ulster and Leinster uncatchable, the race for third is on for Ospreys. That said, the hosts should take this one.
Verdict: Cardiff 13/20
I fully expect the Blues to build on their narrow win against Dragons last week.
Saturday 2 January
Benetton v Zebre
15h00
Stadio Comunale Monigo
To Win Match *Betting unavailable at the time of publishing
Benetton
Draw
Zebre
After their scheduled matchup in round nine was postponed, Benetton tackle Zebre at the Stadio Comunale Monigo on Saturday.
Zebre have recorded just one win from eight all season while Benetton have nothing yet to show for their efforts. Both outfits have so far endured extremely difficult campaigns and are desperate for positive results.
There shouldn’t be much to separate the two sides but the visitors could steal the W.
Verdict: Zebre
This is the sort of game you should really be staying away from. If you must have a go, back Zebre.
Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors
17h00
Murrayfield Stadium
To Win Match*Betting unavailable at the time of publishing
Edinburgh
Draw
Glasgow
Following last week’s postponement, Edinburgh host Glasgow at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Having performed so well last season and just missing out on a place in the Pro14 final, Edinburgh have taken some massive steps backwards this term. They sit fifth in Conference B after picking up just two wins from seven.
Glasgow meanwhile haven’t fared too well themselves either. Two wins from eight and fifth themselves in Conference A spell out their struggles. In familiar territory, Richard Cockerill’s men should come good.
Verdict: Edinburgh
Neither side has been particularly impressive this term, but I reckon Edinburgh’s quality should see them home against an equally out of sorts Warriors outfit.
Ulster v Munster
19h15
Kingspan Stadium
To Win Match
Ulster 13/20
Draw 18/1
Munster 13/10
Both Ulster and Munster will look to defend their unbeaten records when they clash at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.
Ulster are nine from nine and sitting pretty at the summit of Conference A. After their defeat in last season’s final, they’ve been immense under Dan McFarland this term, with Bulls-bound Marcell Coetzee colossal throughout.
Munster have a 100% record from their seven matches and top Conference B. They’ll be up for the challenge but Ulster are looking good at the moment and should claim a narrow win.
Verdict: Ulster 13/20
Ulster are tipped make it 10 from 10 this weekend. 13/20 is a great price – get on!
Leinster v Connacht
21h35
RDS Arena
To Win Match
Leinster 1/100
Draw 40/1
Connacht 12/1
Leinster take on Connacht at the RDS Arena in the final fixture of the round on Saturday.
The hosts have won all of their seven matches so far, having last tasted defeat in the Pro14 back in the 2018-19 season. They’ve had Connacht’s number for a while now and will fancy claiming a big win here.
The men from Galway are second in Conference B on 20-points. They are level with Scarlets and just two ahead of Cardiff. They would love to add more to their tally but may be up against it here.
Verdict: Leinster 1/100
Leinster should win this at a canter.
