Magners League: Round 16 Preview

This could be the weekend when the destiny of the 2007/08 Magners League title is decided – with Leinster having the chance to wrap up the title win before the end of round 16.

Leinster will be confirmed as Magners League champions on Friday night if they are able to secure an eleventh straight league win with a bonus point victory against Edinburgh.

Edinburgh have been a bit of a bogey team for the Irish province in recent clashes. However, even if they fail to get maximum points in Scotland they could still be installed as champions on Saturday evening depending on results elsewhere.

Despite having a game in hand, Munster will aim to get maximum points on Saturday against the EDF Energy Cup champions, the Ospreys, if they are to keep the title race alive.

The omens are good for the Heineken Cup semi-finalists as the Ospreys have not won away in the league since the end of last season.

At the other end of the table, Connacht will be looking to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of Ulster last week against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Both sides are struggling for form at the moment but the men from the west of Ireland know they need to win if they are to have any realistic hope of catching Ulster in the race for the final Irish Heineken Cup place next season.

Ulster can take a step nearer that goal should they beat Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Saturday – although the Blues, who still have title aspirations of their own, have won eight of their last nine games at home.

The round’s final game sees the Llanelli Scarlets face Glasgow Warriors with the Scarlets looking for a seasonal double – although the Warriors have won five of their last six home games against Welsh opponents.

MAGNERS LEAGUE – ROUND 16 FIXTURES:

Friday, April 18 –

Newport Gwent Dragons v Connacht, Rodney Parade, 7.10pm (live BBC Wales/Setanta Sports Ireland)

Edinburgh v Leinster, Murrayfield, 7.30pm (live Setanta Sports 2/deferred coverage Setanta Sports Ireland)

Glasgow Warriors v Llanelli Scarlets, Firhill Arena, 7.30pm

Saturday, April 19 –

Cardiff Blues v Ulster, Arms Park, 5.30pm (live S4C/Setanta Sports Ireland)

Munster v Ospreys, Musgrave Park, 7.30pm (live Setanta Sports Ireland)