Brussels Branch: Munster v Newport Gwent Dragons
15th May 2015 By Munster Rugby Supporters Club
As we lead into the final round of league games, with the top four teams so close together at the top of the table, there are many possible permutations as to what Munster might need to secure a home semi-final, all depending on other results on this "Super Saturday" for the Pro 12.
As we lead into the final round of league games, with the top four teams so close together at the top of the table, there are many possible permutations as to what Munster might need to secure a home semi-final, all depending on other results on this "Super Saturday" for the Pro 12.
Glasgow and Ulster are involved in a direct head to head battle for home advantage, and Glasgow, having led the table for six of the last eight rounds, know that any slip-up could let Munster and Ospreys take the coveted top two places. Ulster's destiny may not lie in their own hands, as even a win may not be enough to claim a home tie.
Ospreys emphatic win over Warriors last time out meant they reclaimed the top spot they had held for all but two of the first 13 rounds. Ospreys will have to overcome a Connacht team, themselves battling for European qualification, if they are to remain at the top of the table and hope that Dragons will pull off a victory over Munster in Cork.
Despite Anthony Foley's men making it three wins from three in Cork this season – including two bonus point victories – Dragons could yet prove their toughest test on Leeside. The Welshmen will travel with little fear of an Irish province having already defeated Ulster, Connacht and Leinster (home and away) this season.
In terms of European form, the Dragons impressed in reaching the knock out stages of the Challenge Cup – defeating Cardiff Blues in the quarter-final before losing away to Edinburgh in the semi.
The latter was a defeat they would avenge on their return to PRO12 action – defeating and denying Edinburgh a losing bonus point last weekend, a result which dealt the Scottish side's hopes of Champions Cup qualification a serious blow.
Having lost just one of their last five matches in the PRO12, Dragons have the potential to quash the ambitions of Munster this weekend and we can expect a rugged and physical encounter.
Munster fans are invited to gather in The Old Hack, Rue Charlemagne/rue Joseph II, open from 3:20pm on Saturday.
Mike Collins.
