| Celtic League Dragons
Connacht
January 6 Rodney Parade 7.30pm
Nine points separate the bottom two teams with Connacht still anchored
to the basement on six points above Dragons.
These are desperate times for Michael Bradley’s team and although they
have their sights set on further progress in the European Challenge Cup
Connacht need to make up some leeway on the other teams in the Celtic
League soon.
Dragons are sure to miss the services of full-back Kevin Morgan. Might
be a change in fortune for Connacht.
Verdict: Away win Ulster
Glasgow Rugby
January 6 Ravenhill 7.30pm
Recently displaced at the top of the Celtic League table by Munster,
Ulster dare not miss out on the opportunity to keep in contention with
the leaders Munster and Edinburgh.
Glasgow have been having a decent enough season and deserve to be
currently in fifth place. However Ulster should have too many big guns
for them with all their internationals available including Andrew
Trimble.
Mark McCall’s side should take the points but it remains to be seen if
that will be good enough to regain the leadership.
Verdict: Home win
Llanelli Scarlets
Leinster
January 7 Stradey Park 3pm
Boosted by the return of Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll Leinster could
be one of the few sides to actually come away from Stradey Park with a
victory in this game.
Many big sides have fallen to the Scarlets in their own backyard
including Wasps —recently eliminated from the Heineken Cup by the Welsh
club.
Leinster manager Michael Cheika is able to call on a full hand for the
first time this season and the visitors should be good enough to win.
Verdict: Away win
Edinburgh Rugby
Munster
January 7 Murrayfield 7.30pm
A clash of the titans with Murrayfield hosting this top of the table
clash.
After their impressive win against bottom-of-the-table side Connacht,
Declan Kidney’s side appear to be playing with the fluency that made
them one of the top sides in Europe.
The return of a rejuvenated Paul O’Connell has also done much to boost
Munster’s hopes in the Celtic League but it remains to be seen whether
or not they have done enough to progress in the Heineken Cup. This top
game of the round has the potential to be a classic.
Verdict: Away win. |
