This Weekend

Inquitus

Leinster

- Good result last week, looked Good with ball in hand, back row performed great, defense looking a bit ropey and tight 5 still an issue. Edinburgh really aren't a team to exploit the tight 5 weakness, so yjos shouldn't be an issue. Some decent weather condusive to a running game would really suit.
- Edinburgh have improved steadily over the last few seasons and are easily the strongest of the Scots regions, always tough at home.

Verdict - One Leinster need to win and probably should, but a potential banana skin.

Ulster

- Most impressive Irish province last weekend. Halfback partnership on fire, backs full of invention, some great running lines, class backrow and a tight 5 who are improving as a unit.
- Llanelli, still the strongest Welsh region imo, always tough at home.

Verdict - Too close to call

Munster

- Great win last weekend while still undercooked from the lack of gametime (as were all the regions, esp Munster and Leinster so improvement should come week by week at this stage of the season) Lineout a bit dodgy, but Frankie is only just back from injury. Scrummaging a bit dodgy, but should be able to improve on last week, backrow and tight 5 still awesome outside of the set pieces.
- Bourgoin, a home loss already, qualifiaction looking dubious already, and they are one of the French sides who don't really have a squad to challenge in both the Championnat and HC and as such usually dont put in 100% to these fixtures. Should be a bonus point win against the poor travelling and disinterested French.

zAbbo

Llanelli Scarlets v Ulster - Friday 27th October 2006, 19:30 Sky Sports
The toughest game to call, and the weather doesn't look indusive to free flowing rugby, in that regard, the two oustanding FH's (Jones/Humph) will be looking for clean ball to kick, and with SH's (Peel/Boss) being in-form at the moment, I can see this being a kicking game, where certainly place kicking will be key.

I'm gonna go for an Ulster win, but it won't be easy.

Munster v Bourgoin - Saturday 28th October 2006, 17:30 - Sky Sports / RTE Delayed Coverage(10pm)
I'm gonna tip Bourgoin here, simply because I think this will be a very tricky contest, or Munster will hammer them, who knows, So I'll tip the visitors, and hope for a Munster win

Edinburgh Rugby v Leinster Sunday 29th October 2006, 13:00 - Sky Sports / RTE Delayed
Another tricky one, Leinster should win, but Edinburgh are no pushovers, very close, but I expect the hard yards to be won by the Leinster pack, with the back line purely outscoring their counterparts.

Nothing would be better than 3 wins for the provinces, and lets not forget Connaght who have the toughest test of all, taking on Bath at the rec in the Challenge Cup, after coming close last weekend, this is another difficult battle

Bath Rugby v Connacht Rugby - Saturday 28th October 2006, 14:15 - Not sure where it's being shown

bugler

I don't see how you can tip Bourgoin. They were dire last weekend at home, and would have scored 0 except for a late try. If they don't show up with the right attitude they'll be hammered.

Of course that also depends on Munster. If they can sort out the lineout they'll win easily. But I can't see Bourgoin as a threat to be honest.

Devrozex

I agree, I think Munster will steamroller Bourgoin quite comfortably, and really should be getting the bonus point there. Leinster is a tough one to call, I'm pretty sure its going to be a tight encounter. If it was the Magners League, I'd say Edinburgh would come out on top, but Leinster should have their 'a' game for this one, so I think we'll sneak it.

Amazotheamazing

While I think Leinster will win comfortably enough, the Edinburgh backrow could stifle them enough to put them off their game, it's a seriously talented and underrated unit.

zAbbo

Ulster went close, losing 21-15.

That scoreline flattered Ulster. They were outplayed in every aspect on the pitch.

zAbbo

some interesting results

Glouc's losing at home to Agen :eek:

looking forward to the leinster game now