The end of the November test match series sees all sides this weekend having to go long and hard into their squad depth charts. The first three fixtures with full strength sides at their disposal would be marquee fixtures but there is something a little underwhelming about this round with so many marquee players away on international duty. The organizers need to rethink their strategy on this part of the season; devaluing the tournament and for the South African sides, they have had to bide their time for more game time action.
Glasgow Warriors look primed for another home win
Cardiff Blues come into this fixture minus several the services of their Welsh international contingent. Yes, Jarrod Evans and Seb Davies are back after being released by the Welsh international side but this is not the fixture to throw youngsters into the mix which is what the Blues have done here. Glasgow will look for open field and with a devastating back line on paper named, it looks and feels like a bonus point try win for the Warriors to secure further distance from the rest of the Conference A chasing pack. Glasgow’s side looks solid despite the international break.
Leinster Rugby look to youth against Ospreys
Youth is the keyword coming from this Leinster Rugby team sheet. Penny makes his debut in the back row containing Doris and the much vaunted Josh Murphy. Scott Fardy captains the side and will look to Noel Reid and James Lowe in the back line to provide leadership and experience to a young back line featuring O’Brien and Keenan. This is a fixture where Ospreys must stand up and be counted. Their performance against Munstera Rugby was a low point and a repeat display will see a Leinster Rugby rout. Giles on the wing will be interesting to watch. I am expecting Ospreys to produce a performance this time around but whether they are good enough to beat the home side loaded with potential and talent off the bench is a tough question to ask. Leinster Rugby by three points.
Scarlets get the nod against Ulster Rugby
A keynote game in Conference B. Both sides depleted by international test matches. Ulster Rugby’s team side is loaded with youth and talent out wide so it is imperative that Cave and Ludik are included to keep the young charges composed on this road trip. The pack for Ulster Rugby looks solid and will test the Scarlets pack missing several keynote players such as Davies, Thomson and Macleod. The back line though is where this result may be decided. McNicholl from full back oozes pace and power coming into the line and think Scarlets will just nick this result; conscious of the fact that a victory will see Scarlets open a gap on Ulster Rugby. Ulster to come away with a loser point but their road trip woes are set to continue.