26-12-14 pro 12 fixtures

BLUES V DRAGONS

Blues coach Mark Hammett has named Gareth Anscombe on the bench for the Boxing Day derby with Dragons.

Gareth Davies is preferred at fly-half, with former All Black Jarrad Hoeata returning in the second row and Ellis Jenkins taking the place of the injured Sam Warburton at open-side.

Dragons' Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has lost his fitness battle.

His place is taken by Lewis Evans with Tyler Morgan returning at centre for the first time since September.

Morgan is one of two changes to the team that started the 25-11 win over Zebre.

The Blues have made six changes from the team that started in their win over the Scarlets.

Cardiff Blues: Joaquin Tuculet; Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Lucas Amorosino; Gareth Davies, Lewis Jones; Sam Hobbs, Matthew Rees (c), Adam Jones, Jarrad Hoeata, Lou Reed, Josh Turnbull, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Gethin Jenkins, Taufa'ao Filise, Macauley Cook, Manoa Vosawai, Tavis Knoyle, Gareth Anscombe, Adam Thomas

Newport Gwent Dragons: Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, Elliott Dee, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans.

Replacements: Hugh Gustafson, Owen Evans, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Ian Gough, Richie Rees, Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys Jones.

My prediction Dragons to win and get bonus point

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30595862

MUNSTER V LEINSTER

Munster coach Anthony Foley makes eight changes for the Pro12 derby against Leinster at Thomond Park on Friday.

Felix Jones, Ronan O'Mahony, Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams, Duncan Casey, CJ Stander, Donncha O'Callaghan and Tommy O'Donnell come into the side.

Leinster have made seven changes with Darragh Fanning, Gordon D'Arcy and Ian Madigan returning to the backs.

Forwards Richardt Strauss, Mike McCarthy, Dominic Ryan and Jack Conan are also back in the team.

Williams and Keatley renew their half-back pairing for Munster while full-back Jones starts as captain and Ronan O'Mahony is on the wing.

Stander and O'Donnell are the Munster flankers with Casey in the front row and lock O'Callaghan is promoted from the bench.

Munster: Felix Jones (capt); Andrew Conway, Pat Howard, Denis Hurley, Ronan O'Mahony; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; John Ryan, Duncan Casey, Stephen Archer; Donncha O'Callaghan, Billy Holland, CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland.

Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Eusebio Guinazu, BJ Botha, Dave O'Callaghan, Paddy Butler, Neil Cronin, JJ Hanrahan, Johne Murphy.

Leinster: Zane Kirchner; Darragh Fanning, Luke Fitzgerald, Gordon D'Arcy, Dave Kearney, Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Michael Bent, Richardt Strauss, Tadhg Furlong, Mike Mccarthy, Kane Douglas, Dominic Ryan, Shane Jennings (capt), Jack Conan.

Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Maks Van Dyk, Jamie Hagan, Tom Denton, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Jimmy Gopperth, Noel Reid.

My prediction munster to beat Leinster but by no more than 7

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30589212

ULSTER V CONNACHT

Ulster scrum-half Ruan Pienaar has failed to recover from a knee injury in time to make the team to play Connacht at the Kingspan Stadium on Boxing Day.

The South African suffered the injury in last weekend's loss to the Ospreys.

The hosts make seven changes with Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Peter Nelson, Rob Herring, Callum Black and Wiehahn Herbst drafted in.

Darragh Leader, Dave McSharry and Willie Faloon return for Connacht as coach Pat Lam makes six changes.

Leader starts at full-back with McSharry coming in at centre while on-loan scrum-half John Cooney is handed a first start for Connacht.

Lam has rotated his props with Ronan Loughery and Finlay Bealham selected while former Ulster player Faloon is named at openside flanker.

Jackson and Paul Marshall, who deputises for Pienaar, form a new Ulster half-back pairing while Gilroy and Nelson come in on the wings.

Ulster: L Ludik; C Gilroy, D Cave, L Marshall, P Nelson, P Jackson, P Marshall; C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, D Tuohy, F vd Merwe, R Diack, C Ross, R Wilson.

Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, D Fitzpatrick, A O'Connor, S Reidy, M Heaney, I Humphreys, S Olding.

Connacht: D Leader; D Poolman, B Aki, D McSharry, M Healy, J Carty, J Cooney; R Loughney, T McCartney, F Bealham, Q Roux, A Muldowny, J Muldoon (capt), W Faloon, G Naoupu.

Replacements: D Hefferenan, D Buckley, R Ah You, U Dillane, E Masterson, K Marmion, C Ronaldson, M Muliaina.

My prediction Ulster to win in a close game

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30574246

GLASGOW V EDINBURGH

Al Kellock returns to captain Glasgow in the first match of the festive double-header with Edinburgh.

Full-back Stuart Hogg and centre Alex Dunbar are also back from injury, while Tim Swinson will partner Kellock in the second row.

Edinburgh welcome back hooker Ross Ford, winger Tom Brown replaces Tim Visser and Anton Bresler has recovered from the ear infection to start.

The Pro12 games also decide the fate of the 1872 Cup.

Glasgow have dominated the fixture in recent years and Edinburgh trail their rivals by 15 points in the league.

However, Alan Solomons's side will be buoyed by last weekend's 48-0 win over Treviso, while the hosts moved up to second in the table after coming from behind to pip Munster 21-18.

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend changes his half-back partnership, with Duncan Weir and Henry Pyrgos getting the nod, while Sean Lamont makes his 100th Pro12 appearance on the right wing.

Ryan Grant and Pat MacArthur come in at loose-head and hooker respectively, while Euan Murray continues at tight-head and there is one change in the front row, as Ryan Wilson is chosen at blindside flanker.

Glasgow Warriors : Stuart Hogg, Sean Lamont, Alex Dunbar, Peter Horne, DTH van der Merwe, Duncan Weir, Henry Pyrgos, Ryan Grant, Pat MacArthur, Euan Murray, Tim Swinson, Al Kellock (capt), Ryan Wilson, Rob Harley, Josh Strauss.

Replacements: Dougie Hall, Alex Allan, Jon Welsh, Leone Nakarawa, Tyrone Holmes, Niko Matawalu, Richie Vernon, Sean Maitland.

Edinburgh: Jack Cuthbert, Dougie Fife, Matt Scott, Andries Strauss, Tom Brown, Greig Tonks, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, John Andress, Anton Bresler, Ben Toolis, Mike Coman (capt), Roddy Grant, David Denton.

Replacements: Neil Cochrane, Rory Sutherland, Willem Nel, Fraser McKenzie, Stuart McInally, Grayson Hart, Tom Heathcote, Phil Burleigh

My Prediction Glasgow to win and get the bonus  point

OSPREYS V SCARLET'S

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate makes his first start for Ospreys for Saturday's Pro12 Welsh derby against Scarlets.

Blindside James King moves to partner Alun Wyn Jones in the second row in place of Rynier Bernardo, the only change from the side that started the 31-20 win against Ulster.

Scarlets' Wales internationals Liam Williams and Rhys Priestland are both fit for selection.

Full-back Williams missed the 21-9 loss at Cardiff Blues with an ankle injury.

Fly-half Priestland was taken off in the second half of that defeat with a knee problem, but has suffered no long-terms effects.

Ospreys: Dan Evans, Hanno Dirksen, Ashley Beck, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Marc Thomas, Scott Baldwin, Dmitri Arhip, James King, Alun Wyn Jones (Capt), Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Tyler Ardron.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Daniel Suter, Rynier Bernardo, Sam Lewis, Martin Roberts, Sam Davies, Aisea Natoga

Scarlets: tbc

My prediction Ospreys to win by no more than 3

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30592777

ZEBRE V TREVISO

This is the bottom of the table clash that few people will look at. I would say that Zebre are favourites as they have proven to be difficult at home. I would think that Zebre could win this well but will find the game hard and I do not see them winning by more than 7.

PRO 12 WEEKENDS 22-12-14

SUN

DRAGONS 25-11 ZEBRE

DRAGONS UNLUCKY NOT TO GET BONUS POINT

Prydie and Kelly Haimona exchanged penalties as both sides found it difficult to break down each other's defences in the opening quarter.

Shortly afterwards the home side made the breakthrough, as Wardle picked up Prydie's pass and glided through several challenges before crashing over, with Prydie adding the conversion.

Haimona's second successful penalty reduced the Dragons' lead to just four points, after Jason Tovey was penalised for handling on the ground just inside his own 22.

On the stoke of half-time Prydie restored his side's seven point advantage with a penalty, after Bergamasco was yellow-carded for illegally thwarting a Dragons' attack.

Just minutes after the restart, Zebre were down to 13 men, after wing Leonardo Sarto tip-tackled prop Brok Harris.

It did not take long for Dragons to take advantage of their extra numbers, spreading the ball wide for Amos to dive over in the corner.

Four minutes later captain Landman crossed in the opposite corner after the home side worked an overlap and Prydie added the conversion from the touchline.

Back up to 14 men, Zebre hooker Manici crashed over following a drive from an attacking line-out.

The visitors almost scored again with 20 minutes to go, but Sarto, who was back on the pitch, was held up on the line.

The Italians pushed for a losing bonus point towards the end, but were denied by some determined defence by the Dragons.

I definitely feel that the fact that the dragons did not get the bonus point here may affect them having any chance of going up the table

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30537405

SAT

GLASGOW 21-18 MUNSTER

RUSSELL BOOT GIVES GLASGOW IMPORTANT

Tries from Leone Nakarawa and Jonny Gray as well as Finn Russell's 11 points with the boot saw Glasgow home.

Munster crossed through JJ Hanrahan and Robin Copeland, but they could not stop Warriors going top of the Pro12.

Finn Russell endured a difficult day with the boot against Toulouse last weekend, but did not display any nerves when he knocked over a penalty to put Glasgow ahead.

Munster responded immediately, forcing Glasgow onto the back foot and fly-half Hanrahan sold the Warriors defence a dummy-pass before ghosting through a gap for the try to put the Irish side 5-3 up.

Russell sliced another penalty attempt wide of the posts, but when Munster were penalised for an infringement at a lineout, the Scotland international made no mistake with his third shot at goal to reclaim the lead for Glasgow.

Munster were temporarily reduced to 14 men when Paul O'Connell was sin-binned on 20 minutes. The Warriors were inviting pressure though with a succession of handling errors and charged-down kicks, and Hanrahan booted the visitors back in front when Glasgow conceded a penalty from a scrum.

Russell and Hanrahan traded penalties before the Irish struck a blow with the last play of the half.

This was a battle of the teams on the top of the table. The fact that Glasgow got the win will give them belief. The fact that this was close may help Munster in the long run. Munster need to fix this right now or they will go down the table  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30550347

OSPREYS 31-20 ULSTER

WEBB TRIES KILLS ULSTER HOPES

Dan Biggar burst clear before Webb underlined the hosts' first half superiority by following suit.

Wales scrum-half Webb added a second and wing Hanno Dirksen also powered over after the break.

Rob Herring and ex-Osprey Tommy Bowe hit back, but the hosts denied the visitors a losing bonus point.

To make matters worse for the visitors, they lost influential Springboks star Ruan Pienaar to an apparent knee problem before half-time although there was no news on the extent of the injury after the game.

Steve Tandy's side took a direct, off-loading approach and it paid dividends as skipper Alun Wyn Jones set fellow Wales star Biggar free for the opening try after he and opposite number Ian Humphreys had exchanged early penalties.

A similar sweeping attack allowed Biggar's international half-back partner Webb to cross for his first try.

And with Biggar going on to convert all four Ospreys tries, Ulster were up against it despite a history of close encounters between the two teams.

Webb's second try heralded the debut of Wales flanker Dan Lydiate, who came off the bench after moving from Racing Metro.

Dirksen took advantage of the time and space created by a scrum drive to gather momentum before powering over with desperate Ulster defenders clinging on.

Replacement Ulster hooker Herring gave his side hope as the visitors produced the sort of line-out power play for which they are renowned.

Humphreys converted and added another after Bowe cut through Ospreys' stretched defence.

Ulster were close to a bonus point this year and I feel that they need to get their coaching things changed as they seem to loose bonus points in close matches

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30537422

FRI

BLUES 21-9 SCARLETS

NAVIDI TRIES KILL OFF SCARLET'S

The number eight scored two tries in a dominant first-half display by Blues at their Cardiff Arms Park home.

Gareth Anscombe added three penalties and a conversion, with Rhys Priestland replying for Scarlets with six points.

Scarlets kept Blues scoreless after the break, but wasted gilt-edged chances to claim tries and could only manage a third Priestland penalty.

But the hosts made light of the form book to make an impressive start to the game, with Anscombe converting two early penalty chances before the game's opening try.

Blues front five 'outstanding' - Navidi

Navidi picked up from the base of a five-metre scrum and drove forward before his fellow forwards arrived for the final shunt that saw him over the try-line.

Anscombe converted to make it 13-0, although Priestland replied with two penalties as Scarlets put the ball through the hands to gain territory and exert pressure on Blues.

The relief was short-lived, though, as Blues drove from an attacking line-out on the left and number eight Navidi again showed great power to claim his second try.

Fly-half Anscombe could not add the conversion but the New Zealander added a third penalty soon after, when Rob McCusker made a late tackle on Lou Reed after the lock had made a great break out of his own 22.

The derby atmosphere boiled over soon after half-time when rival locks Filo Paulo of the Blues and Johan Snyman of the Scarlets came to blows, with referee Dudley Phillips sending the two heavyweights to cool off in the sin-bin for 10 minutes.

With peace restored and both sides a man short up front, the backs took centre stage and the crowd were treated to thrust and counter-thrust as the Welsh rivals probed for an opening.

Scarlet's shaded that encounter and their reward was a third Priestland penalty that cut the deficit to 21-9.

The blues are definitely improving and with a win like this I could see them in the top 4

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30534090

EDINBURGH 48-0 TREVISO

HIDALGO CLYNE AND HEATHCOTE HAT TRICKS DEMOLISH TREVISO

Tries from Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Mike Coman, and a penalty from the former, put the hosts in command at half time.

Hidalgo-Clyne added another penalty before WP Nel and Grayson Hart ran over, and Treviso's Romelu Acosta was sent off for punching Fraser McKenzie.

Roddy Grant scored the hosts' fifth try and David Denton added another

And Edinburgh made a flying start as Hidalgo-Clyne crossed the line in under a minute.

Full-back Jack Cuthbert did brilliantly to stay in touch while fielding a Treviso kick, before he fed Greig Tonks who played in Hidalgo-Clyne to charge over. Hidalgo-Clyne converted.

Edinburgh were bossing the scrum and earned another penalty that Hidalgo-Clyne scored for a 10-0 advantage.

Poor defending from the visitors allowed Edinburgh to keep the pressure on and captain Coman crossed in the corner after a well-executed maul, with Hidalgo-Clyne adding the extras.

Treviso enjoyed more of the ball in the closing stages of the first half, with flanker Francesco Minto at the heart of their good play as they stretched their hosts across the field, but the Edinburgh defence proved too strong.

The Italians looked bright in the opening stages of the second half, partly due to some Edinburgh errors, but the hosts' dominance in the scrum saved them again with Treviso in a threatening position.

When Alan Solomons' Edinburgh side finally got going, thanks to a Denton charge through the middle, they earned a penalty that Hidalgo-Clyne knocked over.

Minto made life even more difficult for the visitors when he picked up a yellow card, and minutes later Edinburgh almost added another try but Tim Visser was halted on a fine run down the left.

The third try arrived with the hosts still a man to the good, WP Nel finishing off after Alasdair Dickinson was stopped just short of the line. Hidalgo Clyne added the extras.

Grayson Hart secured the bonus point soon after, crossing in the left corner after being played in by Visser, and Tom Heathcote scored the conversion.

Treviso's Acosta then sparked a mass brawl when he threw punches at a grounded McKenzie, earning a red card for his actions, while Hart was yellow carded for retaliation.

Roddy Grant scored the fifth try following a well-worked rolling maul, with Heathcote converting.

Edinburgh kept pressing and Denton ran over in the corner to add even more gloss to the scoreline, with Heathcote adding the extras.

Edinburgh are showing a sense of form and with a win like this no one can harm them they might become a bit of a force again.

LEINSTER 21-11 CONNACHT

JENNINGS AND KIRCHNER TRY KILLS OFF CONNACHT

Shane Jennings scored an early try from a lineout maul to help Leinster into an 8-6 lead at the break.

Two penalties from Jimmy Gopperth increased the advantage but Connacht hit back with George Naoupu driving over for an unconverted try.

Zane Kirchner swopped on a loose ball and touched down with two minutes left to seal victory for the hosts.

Leinster made the early running and the pressure increased on Connacht after lock Aly Muldowney saw yellow for taking out a support player at a lineout in their 22.

Having turned down three kickable penalties, Leinster opened the scoring in the 12th minute as fit-again flanker Jennings piled over on the end of a maul.

Gopperth missed the conversion but nailed a close-in penalty before Muldowney's return.

Connacht fly-half Jack Carty failed with a first penalty attempt but he slotted between the posts on the half hour.

Hands in the ruck saw Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong binned and Carty closed the gap to two points with the final kick of the first half.

The defending league champions answered back on the restart with a long range Gopperth effort.

A deliberate knock-on by Willie Faloon allowed Gopperth to open up a 14-6 scoreline.

Connacht built momentum off Leinster penalties, with Devin Toner sin-binned for side-entry at a maul close to his line.

From the resulting lineout and drive number eight Naoupu crashed over to give the visitors renewed hope.

Carty missed a very difficult conversion into the wind and Kirchner had the final say with an opportunist try

Connacht is definitely improving and can be a bit of a force this year

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30533466

PRO 12 FIXTURES PREDICTIONS AND TEAMS FRI 19-12-14

HERE ARE THE WEEKS FIXTURES AND WHATEVER TEAMS I CAN GET FOR THIS WEEKENDS PRO 12

FRIDAY

BLUES V SCARLETS FRI  7.35 PM

 Scarlets will be without Wales international Liam Williams for Friday's Pro12 derby with Cardiff Blues.

Full-back Williams has an ankle injury, but lock Jake Ball returns after recovering from a virus.

Scrum-half Lloyd Williams is missing from the Blues line up with an injury - his place going to Lewis Jones.

He will partner Gareth Anscombe who faces a team coached by Wayne Pivac whom he played under at Auckland.

Blues coach Mark Hammett makes five changes in all from the team beaten 34-23 by London Irish in the European Challenge Cup.

Lou Reed returns in the second row and Argentina internationals Lucas Amorosino and Joaquin Tuculet both earn recalls after missing European action.

Prop Taufa'ao Filise is named on the bench, but will make a record-breaking 183rd appearance for Blues if used.

Cardiff Blues: Joaquin Tuculet; Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen, Adam Thomas, Lucas Amorosino; Gareth Anscombe, Lewis Jones; Gethin Jenkins (capt), Kristian Dacey, Adam Jones, Filo Paulo, Lou Reed, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton, Josh Navidi

Replacements: Matthew Rees, Sam Hobbs, Taufa'ao Filise, Macauley Cook, Manoa Vosawai, Tavis Knoyle, Gareth Davies, Tom Isaacs

Scarlets: Steffan Evans; Harry Robinson, Regan King, Scott Williams (capt), Michael Tagicakibau; Rhys Priestland, Aled Davies; Rob Evans, Emyr Phillips, Samson Lee, Jake Ball, Johan Snyman, Aaron Shingler, James Davies, Rob McCusker

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Lewis Rawlins, Will Boyde, Rhodri Williams, Steven Shingler, Hadleigh Parkes

MY PREDICTION

I think that this will be a close tie that the blues will win by no more than 7 points

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30534090

EDINBURGH V TREVISO  FRI 7.35 PM

Edinburgh's Sam Beard comes in at outside centre to replace the injured Matt Scott for Friday's visit of Italian side Treviso in the Pro 12.

He is one of four changes made by head coach Alan Solomons, whose team sit eighth in the table.

Rory Sutherland has an ankle injury and is replaced by Alasdair Dickinson at loosehead.

David Denton returns from injury to come in at number eight and captain Mike Coman moves to blindside flanker.

The bench remains the same with the exception of Joaquin Dominguez, who takes the 23 shirt, replacing Beard.

Treviso welcome Corniel Van Zyl back as captain and he is paired alongside Tomas Vallejos in the second row.

Davide Giazzon returns at hooker, and in the back row Simone Favaro and Dean Budd both start.

Edinburgh: Cuthbert; Fife, Beard, Strauss, Visser, Tonks, Hidalgo-Clyne; Dickinson, Cochrane, Andress, Bresler, Toolis, Coman, Grant, Denton.

Replacements: Hilterbrand, Shiells, Nel, McKenzie, McInally, Hart, Heathcote, Dominguez.

Treviso: Hayward, Ragusi, Morisi, Christie, Nitoglia, Carlisle, Lucchese, Budd, Minto, Favaro, Van Zyl, Vallejos, Muccignat, Giazzon, Zanusso.

Replacements: Anae, Novak, Acosta, Fuser, Luamanu, Bacchin, Trevisan, Ambrosini.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30529986

MY PREDICTION

 I think that Edinburgh will win this but find it difficult to win the bonus point

LEINSTER V CONACHT FRI  7.35PM

Leinster have made seven changes for the Pro12 derby clash against Irish rivals Connacht at the RDS.

Dave Kearney, Noel Reid, Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon, Tadhg Furlong, Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin are drafted in by coach Matt O'Connor.

Connacht retain only Aly Muldowney from the team which defeated Bayonne in France last weekend.

Two of the Leinster changes are in the backs with Dave Kearney back from injury to take his place on the left wing.

The other change is in the centre with Noel Reid coming in to partner Luke Fitzgerald.

There are five changes in the pack with a completely new front row of Bent, Dundon and Furlong selected.

In the back row Shane Jennings returns from injury to win his 201st Leinster cap while Kevin McLaughlin starts at blindside flanker.

Maks Van Dyke is in line to make his first appearance for Leinster from the bench, having signed last week on a short term contract.

Connacht centre Robbie Henshaw returns to action following his involvement for Ireland in the November series.

Leinster: Rob Kearney, Zane Kirhner, Luke Fitzgerald, Noel Reid, Dave Kearney, Jimmy Gopperth, Issac Boss, Michael Bent, Aaron Dundon, Tahdg Furlong, DEvin Toner, Kane Douglas, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip (capt).

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Maks Van Dyk, Jack Conan, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Cathal Marsh, Gordon D'Arcy.

Connacht: Mils Muliaina, Danie Poolman, Robbie Hernshaw, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion, Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Rodney Ah You, Quinn Roux, Aly Muldowney, John Muldoon (capt), Eoin McKeon.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Ronan Loughney, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Willie Faloon, Caolin Blade, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30533466

MY PREDICTICTION

Connacht are definitely improving this year and I think that Leinster will be happy with a home win and I do think Connacht can get the bonus point  

SATURDAY

GLASGOW V MUNSTER SAT  2.40PM SKY SPORTS

MY PREDICTION

I feel that Munster can get a losing bonus point out of this match but to win it is going to be a hard task  

OSPREYS V ULSTER 5.15PM SAT  SKY SPORTS

MY PREDICTION

I think that with the loss to scarlet’s on Sunday Ulster will not have the confidence to give the Ospreys a real game   

SUNDAY

DRAGONS V ZEBRE 4PM

MY PREDICTION

I would be very surprised if Zebre won this match. I can see this match as a humiliation with Dragons getting the bonus point 

DECLAN FITSPATRICK

DECLAN FITZPATRICK

Position Prop

DOB: Jul 12, 1983(age 31)

Place of birth:     Bromsgrove, England

Height   1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

Weight 116 kilograms (18 st 4 lb)

Years     Club

Belfast Harlequins

Dungannon RFC

Senior clubs*

Years     Club       Apps (points)

2005 ‐    Belfast Harlequins

2005- Dungannon RFC

2005- Ulster Rugby

Played 95

Points 15

2012–present

2006–present    Ireland 7 (0)

Ireland A  

                           

Declan is a tighthead prop who is one of Ulster’s longest serving players.

He has very good defensive qualities and his talents were first acknowledged in the 2006/07 season when he was selected for Ireland A Churchill Cup Squad.

He has won 7 caps for Ireland, 3 of which were against the All Blacks.

He is a member of Dungannon Rugby club and is a graduate of the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.

2006–10

Fitzpatrick started his career with Ulster playing against the Scarlet's in which Ulster won 31–16 thanks to tries from Paul Steinmetz, Mark Bartholomeusz and Ulster hero David Humphreys. Fitzpatrick then played a huge part in scoring the winning try as Ulster beat the Dragons 32–25. Fitzpatrick then played 9 minutes as Ulster smashed the Ospreys 43–7 thanks to tries from Tommy Bowe, Neil McMillan, Paul Steinmetz and Rory Best. He played one minute then as Ulster lost to Munster Rugby 21–13. He played against Connacht Rugby, Cardiff Blues and Munster Rugby to finish the 2006–07 season. He played 437 minutes in the 2007–08 season and missed almost the whole of the 2008–09 season through injury only playing in a 43–17 defeat to the Scarlet's. Fitzpatrick played 17 matches in 2009–10 playing 450 mins in a brilliant season for Ulster Rugby

2010-2012 

From 2010-2012 Fitspatrick got a lot more caps including a match in the Henniker cup against Biarritz here they lost 9-6. He deservedly got his chances in the pro 12. In 2012 he started against Ospreys and was disappointed as he was an important part of the 20-9 Heineken cup loss. He also started in a Heineken cup  play-off against Leinster.  

IRELAND 

Fitzpatrick had played eight games with the Ireland wolfhounds but because of Mike Ross' injury for the 2012 New Zealand tour Fitzpatrick was called up to cover for him and made his Ireland debut on 9 June against New Zealand.

European Champions Cup review 15-12-14

POOL 3

 SCARLET'S 22-13 ULSTER

ULSTER DOOMED AFTER POOR PERFORMANCE

Where is it played? Park Y Scarlet’s

Who is playing? Scarlet’s v Ulster

When is it taking place? Sunday 12^th 5.15 pm

 Scarlet’s scored an early penalty and seemed to be kicking Priestland  to a bit lead at the end of the first half as they leas12-0

Ulster got right back into the match as Tommy Bowe offloads to Daren Cave

Ulster scored couple of penalties and got themselves right back in the match

Ulster  missed a penalty that would become important to

them

Scarlet’s stole the ball from the Ulster scrum Davies the younger brother of the Welsh international got  the ball and was one on none

Scarlet’s had a chance in this pool but  a miracle won’t help Ulster now as they have lost 3 games

TOLOUN 23-8 LEISTER  

BASAREAUD GIVES TOLOUN CONTROL OF THE POOL

Where is it played?  Stade Mayo

Who is playing?  Toulon v  Leicester

When is it taking place? Saturday 3.15pm

This was a top of the table clash between the 2 best teams in the pool this season

Toulon started with an early penalty   after Lee Halfpenny Kicked it

Toulon recycled the ball well and score a early try from Williams

Toulon scored 2 Halfpenny penalties

Leister scored a try in the corner by Scully

Basteraud scored an early try from a good recycled move

Significance of results 

Tolon have got 13 points with 3 wins this gives them acushion at the top of the pool. Lester and Scarlet's are both on 8 with Ulster on 6 points. Ulster are out.  

POOL 4 

TOULOUSE 12-9 GLASGOW

TOULOUSE LOOK INCREDIBLE ON TOP OF POOL

Where is it played? Scotstoun Stadium

Who is playing? Glasgow v Tolouse

When is it taking place? Saturday 1pm

Glasgow and Toulouse exchange penalties before Bezy got Toulouse into a 12-3 lead before Russell and Weir pulled Glasgow back to 12-9

BATH 32- 12 MONTPELIER

BATH KEEP EUROPEAN HOPES ALIVE WITH BANAHAN HAT TRICK 

Where is it played? Recreation ground

Who is playing?  Bath v Montpellier

When is it taking place? Fiiday 12^th December

Bath score an early try thanks to Sam Burges to Banahan for an early try

Quality pass and move finished off by Banahan for the second try

The ball from the scrum passed to Chris Copper who passes to Banrahan for his hat trick

Montpellier score a try from Tulou and Ivilid both from scrums   

George ford passes to Agulla for the bonus point try

Significance of results

 Tolouse are top on 16 more than a bonus point win ahead of Bath and Glasgow on 10 while Monpellier have 2 

 POOL 5 

NORTHAMPTON 67-0 TREVISO 

NORTHAMPTON BLOW TREVISO AWAY

Where is it played? Sixfiekd

Who is playing?  Northampton v Treviso

When is it taking place?  Saturday 3:15 pm

This was such a demolition that I did not look at the game but Northampton scored 11 tries which makes you ask the question 'should Italian sides get automatic places in the European cup?'

Here are the names of the people who scored the tries and there was a time that you know that this game was over. Penalty, North, Fotuali'i, K Pisi (3), G Pisi, Manoa (3), Foden Cons: Myler (4), Wilson (2)

RACING 18-14 OSPREYS

GOOSEN SCORES A VERY IMPORTANT KICK TO GIVE RACING WIN

Where is it played? Stade Yves

Who is playing? Racing Metro v Ospreys

When is it taking place? Saturday 5.15pm

Racing started with a Guosen pen

Inhoff scored a good try from a good passing move

Thomas scored a try from a scrum position

Webb scored try from a good move

Ospreys used the entire pitch as Walker puts the ball into the corner

Goosen scored a penalty to give Racing the try

Significance of results 

Northampton have 15 points while racing have 14 Ospreys have 8 and Treviso have 0 

POOL 2 

LEINSTER 14-13 HARLEQUINS

MADAGAN KICKS LEINSTER TO JOINT TOP

Where is it played? RDS

Who is playing?  Leinster v Harlequins

Issac Boss got a ball from the scrum pass and put it down for an early try

Madigan scores a penalty

Harlequins did get the out disallowed early in the match for rolling on

Smith got the ball from scrum and ran it so they get a conversion also to make this a real match

Quins scored a penalty from Sweil

Leinster could not get the ball from a scrum but  they got and score a penalty

There was a massive maul at the end of the game which did not help the game only one person was sin binned

WASPS 44-17 CASTRES

WASPS SHOW THEY STILL HAVE GOT CLASS

here is it played? Adams Park

Who is playing?  Wasps v Castres  

When is it taking place? Sunday 1pm

Good team move finished by Cooper Wolley

Nathan Hughes scored from a good team try for wasps

Rallier scored from a maul for Castres

A good Castres no of passes leaves a try for Evens

Jacobs got the ball from behind the scrum and jumps over the post to score the Wasps try

Barndell got a quality ball and passed the ball to Jacobs

Max equalised the score from a good Castres scrum

Jacobs scored a try which had to go to the match official , which they were awarded

Significance of results

Harliquins and Leisnster both have 13 while Wasps have 12 Castre have 1 point 

POOL 1 

MUNSTER V CLEMAUNT

KIETLEY KICKS MUNSTER TO LOOSING BONUS POINT 

Where is it played?  The Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin

Who is playing?  Clemaunt Auverne V Munster

When is it taking place? Sunday 14^th December 14 3.15

Munster are 6 points up with a couple of penalties from Ian Keatley

Clermont scored an early try from Lee  as you could see they were week in mauls

Clemaunt backed that up with a Lopez penalty

There was a great run by Fofana for Clermonts second try

Lopez then scored  drop goal

Ther was a great pass to Casey who was able to get the ball over the line

Ian Kietley hit the ball over from just ahead of the half way line for a bonus point

SARACENS 28-15  SALE

SARACENS WIN BUT CAN NOT GET BONUS POINT

Where is it played? Barnet Copthall

Who is playing? Saracens v sale

When is it taking place? Saturday 5.15 pm

Saracens started with an early Owen Farell penalty

Nathan Hine scored an early sale try

Saracens got a try from a lot of phases scored by Goode

Sale then hit a pen

Ben Robson scored from a quality passing move from one side to another

Ransom scored Saracens second try

Billy Vinipola crashes in style

Saracens were so close to the line with their final attempt at the bonus point they needed  

Significance f result 

Clermont have 14 points Saracens have 13 Munster have 10 and Sale have 2