Magners League Preview Round 18

Cardiff Blues Vs Munster 

With just four games remaining in this seasons Magners League, Cardiff will be hoping to take home advantage when they face table toppers Munster in Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night. Munster coach Tony McGahan has surprisingly named young scrumhalf Conor Murray in the starting line-up. Murray, who was handed his first start against the Dragons at the beginning of March links up with Ronan O'Gara at half back in a side that includes returning internationals, Keith Earls, Denis Leamy and Paul O'Connell. Overall Munster have made ten changes to the starting eleven from the one that played against the Dragons in Musgrave Park three weeks ago. Meanwhile, Cardiff Blues will be without injured Wales flanker Sam Warburton. Warburton limped off in the first half of Wales' 28-9 defeat to France in the Stade de France with a knee injury. Blues will be without three more injured stars in wing Tom James, hooker Rhys Thomas and prop Taufa'ao Felise. A win for Munster, who have won 14 of their 17 domestic games this season would put them on track to gain home advantage in the play offs and this factor could prove significant in this tie. Even though, Cardiff have enjoyed good from over Munster at home in the past few years and will be fighting for a playoff place of their own, Munster (+5) at a price of 4/7 (Paddy Power) looks the best bet with the return of key players. Doug Howlett to score first try at 12/1 (William Hill) is also value for money.

The other Friday night clash is that of Glasgow Warriors Vs Ulster. It hasn’t been a good two months for Scottish rugby with the international side just dodging the wooden spoon last weekend. Glasgow have failed to reach the heights of last season Magners League Semi Final sitting eleventh in the table, only above Aironi. Ulster will fancy their chances on they’re travels and with a historic Heineken Cup Quarter final on the horizon, Bryan McLaughlin’s men will be hoping to secure a top 4 place on the domestic front to keep an already impressive season going. Analysing form versus form, at 4/5 (Paddy Power) the northern Irish Provence are an excellent bet.

My Tips

2pts Munster (+5)

2pts Ulster Win

1pt Doug Howlett 1st Try

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