The PRO14 is set to return this weekend after a summer away and with stars away at the Rugby World Cup every team has a chance to make a good start to the season.
Here is a quick preview of what’s to come on the opening weekend with some interesting fixtures taking place.
First up is the clash of the Cheetahs and last season’s runners-up the Glasgow Warriors. With a host of Glasgow players away on international duty this could be a chance for the South African side to get their competition off to the perfect start. However, Glasgow have recruited well over the last couple of months and some new faces will want to impress as they take to the field on Friday.
The only other game on Friday sees Ulster host the Ospreys as the Irish province will look to start their season well following a mixed season last time around. Meanwhile the Ospreys will want to improve on what was a poor season for them.
Saturday is filled with the remaining five games of the round as Munster open their campaign against the Dragons. Munster are without the likes of Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander, among others, but will still be confident they can claim a win.
At the same time the Kings will play host to the Cardiff Blues, another team that failed to hit top form last season. The Kings have struggled badly in the past two seasons and will want to take advantage of a weakened Blues side in order to build points while the big name players away.
Later on Saturday the Scarlets will welcome Connacht in what is possibly the standout game of the round. Connacht will have to cope without stars Jack Carty and Bundee Aki but otherwise they have a strong team that could prove too much for the Scarlets.
Last season’s surprise package Benetton take on two-time reigning champions Leinster in Italy at 17 15. However, despite this looking like a great match-up due to last season, both teams are severely weakened as their key men are currently in Japan. Leinster have had a strong pre-season and will still have names such as Ross Byrne, James Lowe, Devin Toner and Scott Fardy available as they begin their hunt for three in a row.
Last but not least is the clash of Edinburgh and Zebre. Again Edinburgh are without key men, but will be favourites heading into the game and should come away with a win.
Whatever happens, what is certain is that players have a chance to impress while the stars are away and expect the season to start off with a bang as teams look to kick-start their campaign in perfect fashion.
Check Out the Full List of Fixtures Below:
Friday =
Cheetahs vs Glasgow Warriors
Ulster vs Ospreys 19:35
Saturday =
Munster vs Dragons 15:00
Kings vs Cardiff Blues 15:00
Scarlets vs Connacht 17:35
Benetton vs Leinster 17:35
Edinburgh vs Zebre 19:35
