Magners League: Round 6 Preview

Following on from two rounds of European competition, the focus this weekend returns to the Magners League, starting with three matches on Friday night – one each in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Table-topping Munster, who retained their lead despite losing to Leinster in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Aviva Stadium in round 5, welcome Benetton Treviso to Thomond Park.

The two sides have met before in Europe, and Munster will be looking to continue their 100% record against the Italian outfit.

Edinburgh are in action at home to third-placed Ulster, the only unbeaten team left in the league, whose last loss in the competition was also in Scotland.

Friday’s final game is an all-Welsh affair, the second-placed Cardiff Blues hosting the team currently occupying the final play-off spot, the Scarlets.

The Blues, who are building an impressive home record at Cardiff City Stadium, will be aware that the Scarlets lost their last game against another Welsh side, the Ospreys, in the last round.

The action on Saturday switches to Galway with an interprovincial derby between Connacht and Leinster at the Sportsground.

Having played at two national stadiums in the last three weeks, the Aviva Stadium and Wembley Stadium, the confines of the Sportsground may prove more intimidating for Leinster.

Also on Saturday, Aironi Rugby travel to Wales to face the Newport Gwent Dragons. Both sides are at the wrong end of the table, and victory for either will boost their confidence before the autumn Internationals kick-in.

The round wraps up on Sunday with reigning champions, the Ospreys, taking on Glasgow Warriors at Firhill Stadium, where the hosts will be hoping to reverse their semi-final loss from last season’s play-offs.

MAGNERS LEAGUE – ROUND 6 FIXTURES:

Friday, October 22 –

Edinburgh v ULSTER, Murrayfield, 7.05pm (live BBC 2 Northern Ireland/BBC ALBA)

MUNSTER v Benetton Treviso, Thomond Park, 7.45pm (live TG4/Dahlia TV)

Cardiff Blues v Scarlets, Cardiff City Stadium, 8.05pm (live BBC Wales)

Saturday, October 23 –

CONNACHT v LEINSTER, the Sportsground, 6.05pm (live RTE Two)

Newport Gwent Dragons v Aironi Rugby, Rodney Parade, 6.30pm (live S4C/Dahlia TV)

Sunday, October 24 –

Glasgow Warriors v Ospreys, Firhill Stadium, 4.10pm (live S4C/BBC ALBA)