Time to stick on the green-coloured glasses and look at the weekend's rugby action
England fans say Healy should be banned for life. Leinster fans say Cole was asking for it. Munster, Ulster & Connacht fans also want him banned for life but tone it down in public and suggest something closer to eight weeks. When the disciplinary committe finally sits, they come out and say it's actually five weeks, reduced to three. Only it's not REALLY three, it's actually four. Jono Gibbes says he can now play for Leinster this weekend. Other people say he can't.
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!! Of course most of the above is exaggerated, but I'd much rather talk about the rugby that definitely IS going to be played this weekend.
And even though it's an off-week in the Six Nations, there's plenty to look forward to. Leinster back at the RDS after a month away. 1st v 2nd clashes in both the Ulster Bank League and the Aviva Premiership. Not forgetting the return to Friday & Saturday morning telly rugby with the kickoff of Super Rugby 2013.
Saturday February 16
RaboPro12
Leinster v Treviso 5pm RDS
The European Champions are in the middle of a three-week stint without live TV coverage…there’s at least some consolation for season ticket holders like myself in that two of them are at home.
Benetton Treviso have never seen Dublin as a happy hunting ground, and although in captain Van Zyl and scrum half Semenzato they do have some experience to call on, they are always going to be more hurt in fixtures during the Six Nations.
All the speculation that Cian Healy might start has been put to bed and they are going with their “second string” front row of McGrath, Cronin & Hagan. The lock pairing is very interesting with Devin Toner being the senior partner to the very promising Ben Marshall. The back row has a youthful but strong look to it with Rhys Ruddock captaining the side alongside Dominic Ryan and Jordi Murphy.
Ian Madigan dons the 10 jumper and with the match not on telly, if he puts in a good display you can be sure the Leinster faithful will do all they can to let people know about it. He has Eoin Reddan inside him so with some good front-foot ball from the forwards they will have every opportunity to do some damage. Much like Ulster, Joe Schmidt’s side will need to approach this match with a view to securing maximum points.
There are some interesting selections in the backline with Luke Fitzgerald preferred at full-back while Dave Kearney moves over to the wing. Fergus McFadden lines up on the other flank, a good opportunity for him to stake a claim for Simon Zebo’s spot in the Irish team.
Finally the Leinster bench is quite strong with Cullen, Jennings & Boss ready to join the fray if needed. I’m backing the home side to continue their impressive form since the turn of the year and Madigan to be at the heart of it. Leinster by 16.
Scarlets v Munster 6:30pm Parc y Scarlets RTE2
Though both these clubs are in similar circumstances on the Pro12 table, ie just one win outside the top four, I believe this match to be of greater importance to the home side looking at what they have left to come in the regular season.
Were Rob Penney’s men to come away with a losing bonus I feel there still will be plenty of opportunities for them to get themselves back into contention…while defeat for the Welsh region would put them under extra pressure to complete the double over Leinster next weekend.
Ronan O’Gara took a lot of flak for his performance last Sunday, not much of it deserved in my opinion. But with his surprise selection for this match he certainly has every opportunity to prove his doubters wrong. As I said earlier, with Ian Keatley shunted to full back we’ll be (conveniently) denied the opportunity to compare the three “con-TEN-ders” directly.
Elsewhere in the Munster lineup Mike Sherry is an interesting choice at skipper while Donncha O’Callaghan gets a start in the second row. CJ Stander gets some more much-needed game time as the Heineken Cup quarterfinals get nearer.
I certainly can’t rule out a Munster victory but I still fancy a home win – visitors to get more penalty chances but the Scarlets should edge the try count to take the spoils. Scarlets by 5.
Ulster Bank League Division 1A
Clontarf v Shannon 2:30pm
Cork Constitution v St Mary's College 2:30pm
Lansdowne v Garryowen 2:30pm
A second meeting of the top two clubs in the country since the turn of the year, victory for Mike Ruddock’s side will make the title theirs to lose. With this match being played at the Aviva Stadium (not sure if it’s main pitch or back) it’s a has to be a very tempting curtain-raiser for Leinster fans travelling to the RDS later that evening.
UL Bohemian v Old Belvedere 2:30pm
Young Munster v Dolphin 2:30pm
Aviva Premiership
Bath v London Irish 2:15pm
Saracens v Exeter Chiefs 3pm
Just for divilment, I’m picking this as my Upset Of The Week. Chiefs could use a big win and with the internationals away this could be their chance to do it.
Worcester v Northampton 3pm
Harlequins v Leicester 5:15pm
Super Rugby
ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds 8:40am
Click here for Stephen Humphreys’ preview
Top14
Toulon v Montpellier 2pm
Clermont v Mont-de-Marsan 5:30pm
Grenoble v Agen 5:30pm
Racing Metro v Bayonne 5:30pm
Stade Francais v Bordeaux 5:30pm
Biarritz v Castres 7:40pm
Sunday February 17
Aviva Premiership
London Wasps v Gloucester 1pm
A clash worth watching for Leinster fans on ESPN Classic on Sunday lunchtime…we could well face both sides before the season is out.
London Welsh v Sale Sharks 3pm
So as you can see, plenty to keep us rugby nuts occupied. Be sure and enjoy your rugby this weekend wherever you are! JLP
