We’ve got a slightly shortened PRO14 fixture list this coming weekend with the scheduled game between the Glasgow Warriors and the Dragons called off amid to COVID fears.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
There are still five solid games for fans and punters to sink their teeth into, with the headline fixture seeing Leinster take on Edinburgh.
Connacht v ScarletsSaturday 14 November
The Sportsground
21:35
To Win Match
Connacht 7/20
Draw 20/1
Scarlets 49/20
Irish Province Connacht will get the Round 6 action underway when they square off with the Scarlets in Saturday’s opener. The hosts have had their game against the Dragons called off last week due to the Welsh side having a number of players contract COVID-19. The Irish outfit enjoyed a solid Round 4 showing as they beat Edinburgh 26-37.
The Scarlets took to the field last weekend but they didn’t put on anything resembling a good showing as they scraped past Italian minnows, Zebre, 18-17. This was only their second win in five games with their only other victory coming against the other Italian outfit, Treviso.
Verdict: Connacht 7/20
I really think the Scarlets will struggle here. My money is on the hosts winning this one by between 15 and 20 points.
Munster v OspreysSunday 15 November
Thomond Park
16:45
To Win Match
Munster 1/16
Draw 33/1
Ospreys 15/2
Munster will be looking to tighten their grip on top spot on the Conference A table when they play host to an Ospreys side that sits third on the Conference B standings.
The hosts are unbeaten this season and head into Sunday’s clash off the back of a 16-28 Round 4 victory over the Dragons. They didn’t play last weekend, however, as their game against Treviso as four of the Italian side’s playing squad tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ospreys, despite riding high in Pool B, have only won two games this season and head into this one off the back of a 7-26 loss to Leinster.
Verdict: Munster 1/16
I expect another big win here for the hosts. Munster are in great touch and have a very deep squad that should have no issues beating the Ospreys.
Zebre v UlsterMonday 16 November
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
18:00
To Win MatchZebre 6/1
Draw 30/1
Ulster 1/12
Zebre will be looking to build on their dogged showing against the Scarlets when they play host to Ulster this Monday evening. Zebre came oh so close to winning their first game of the campaign last week, going down by just a point to the much-fancied Welsh side.
Ulster have enjoyed a much more profitable start to the season and have won all five of their games. They head into Monday night’s fixture off the back of an impressive 40-15 victory over the Glasgow Warriors.
Verdict: Ulster 1/12
While Zebre gave a good account of themselves last week I cannot see them giving this talented Ulster side a run for their money. I reckon the hosts will take this by more than 15 points.
Cardiff Blues v Treviso
Monday 16 November
Rodney Parade
21:45
To Win Match
Blues 3/10
Draw 22/1
Treviso 26/10
The Cardiff Blues will be looking for their third win of the season when they take on a Treviso side that is yet to get off the mark.
The Blues had a tough time of it last weekend as they went down by 11 points to a red-hot Munster side. They will take solace out of that defeat, however, as they were able to score 28 points.
Treviso didn’t take to the field last weekend due to COVID-19 concerns. The Italian outfit did play the week prior going down 3-10 to the Scarlets.
Verdict: Blues 3/10
I can see the Cardiff Blues taking this one by between eight and 12 points.
Leinster v EdinburghMonday 16 November
RDS Arena
22:15
To Win Match
Leinster 1/33
Draw 35/
Edinburgh 10/1
We close out the round with a clash between reigning champions Leinster and Scottish side Edinburgh. The hosts are yet to lose a game this term and head into this fixture off the back of an impressive 19-32 win over the Glasgow Warriors.
Edinburgh have endured a far tougher start to the campaign and have only managed two wins from their opening five games. The Scottish side head into this one having beaten the Cardiff Blues 18-0 last Monday.
Verdict: Leinster 1/33
The Irish side have such a deep squad that I cannot see them losing to an Edinburgh side that’s playing pool is rather thin due to a number of their players away with the Scottish national side.
