Darry Worthington previews the four PRO14 Round 9 games which are being played between Friday the 27th of December and Saturday the 28th.
The PRO14 rugby action keeps on coming with four fascinating derbies taking place over the next few days. The pick of the weekend’s action will take place on Saturday with Irish heavyweights Munster and Leinster squaring off at Thomond Park.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Ulster v Connacht
Friday 27 December
Kingspan Stadium
21:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Ulster 1/7
Draw 25/1
Connacht 9/2
Friday’s solitary fixture is an all-Irish affair between Conference A’s second-placed side Ulster and Conference B’s second-placed side, Ulster.
Both teams have enjoyed solid starts to the season having both won five out of their opening eight games. They head into this one off the back of defeats, however, with Ulster going down 54-42 to Leinster and Connacht losing 14-19 to Munster.
Verdict: Ulster 1/7
This game should be rather tight. I do feel the home side will edge it by no more than seven points.
Benetton Treviso v Zebre
Saturday 28 December
Stadio di Monigo
15:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Treviso 1/8
Draw 30/1
Zebre 5/1
We head to continental Europe for our next Round 9 instalment which will see Treviso and Zebre lock horns in an Italian derby. The hosts head into this one as strong favourites with the bookmakers, and rightly so considering how poor the visitors have been this season.
Zebre have only won one of their eight PRO14 fixtures and head into this one off the back of an 8-13 home defeat to Treviso.
Verdict: Treviso 1/8
I can see Treviso running up a much higher score than they did last week. My money is on them winning this one by more than 13 points.
Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors
Saturday 28 December
BT Murrayfield
17:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Edinburgh 3/10
Draw 18/1
Glasgow 51/20
We head across to Scotland for our next derby where Edinburgh will be looking to bounce back from their 20-16 away loss to Glasgow.
While the Warriors were not at their best last weekend they still managed to illustrate that they are a tough nut to crack on home soil. It will be more difficult for them on the road, however, as they have lost their last two games at Murrayfield.
Verdict: Edinburgh 3/10
I’m backing the home side here as these games tend to go the way of the side who has the crowd behind them.
Munster v Leinster
Saturday 28 December
Thomond Park
20:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Munster 33/20
Draw 20/1
Leinster 5/10
Round 9 comes to a close with an absolute blockbuster of a clash with Munster set to take on Leinster at Thomond Park.
The visitors maintained their unbeaten start to the season, across all competitions, as they beat Ulster in a 54-42 in Round 8. Munster also enjoyed a solid derby day last time out as they beat Connacht 14-19 away from home.
Verdict: Leinster 5/10
I cannot see Leinster being stopped at the minute.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets.
