Plenty To Play For In Guinness PRO14
Plenty To Play For In Guinness PRO14
A rundown of the Guinness PRO14 games for Nov 23-25.
The Guinness PRO14 is back in action despite the fact that the November test matches aren’t over, and there’s plenty at stake.
Friday’s clash between the #2 and #3 teams from Conference B - Ulster and Scarlets - carries all the importance of a playoff game. The last time they played, Ulster hosted and John Cooney’s late kick won it for Ulster 15-13.
The Welsh team hosts this time around, but this still promises to be a tight one.
Conference A has its marquee matchup Friday, too, as top team Glasgow plays Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun. Both teams will be without their USA stars - Warriors Greg Peterson and David Tameilau are with the USA team, as are Blues Samu Manoa and Blaine Scully.
But Cardiff is on a roll, winning four out of its last five. The questions remain how these teams will handle the task with internationals playing for their countries.
Friday also brings an intriguing cross-conference game as the Conference B lead Leinster plays Conference A #3 Ospreys in Dublin. Ospreys might be hoping for a Glasgow loss and then. Win could put them in position to catch the Warriors next time they meet.
The only match on Saturday sees Benetton Rugby travel to South Africa to take on the Toyota Cheetahs. These teams are lower down on the table, but have been victims of close losses in recent weeks. The Cheetahs have a chance to move out of last place with a win, and might be looking to Rabs Maxwane, who leads the Guinness PRO14 in tries with seven.
Also in South Africa, on Sunday, the Southern Kings host Connacht. The Irish team is 5th in Conference A but could conceivable jump to second with a little luck.
In both conferences, the top team is more than a game ahead of #2. But Munster could get closer with a road win at Zebre. Munster have won all 12 of their matches against the Italian side, but Zebre has seen some improved performances.
Edinburgh and Juan Pablo Socino could also make a move in Conference B with a win over the Dragons.