CELTIC CUP FEVER
There are four intriguing ties, with last year’s Cup holders, Ulster, facing this year’s league winners in one of three inter-country matchups.
The only ‘derby’ match sees a repeat of last year’s first round game when the Scarlets beat the Dragons 40-6. The Dragons have not lost at Rodney Parade to another Welsh outfit since the regional side was formed and should they overturn last year’s thumping at Stradey Park they will have another home draw in the semi finals – against either the current Champions or the Cup holders.
Ulster travel to Swansea on Saturday where they lost by only a point in their league meeting in January. However the Ospreys finished the league season with five straight victories, and have won six out of six in all competitions at St Helen’s this season and will be favourites to face the Dragons in the last four.
Leinster lost out on try count to Ulster at this stage of last season’s cup competition but fancy the chances of a home semi final this time round. Undefeated at Lansdowne Road in the Celtic League this season they will be buoyed by their final league win of the season – over Glasgow at Hughenden a fortnight ago.
The final tie sees another Irish v Scottish affair with Munster looking to extend their unbeaten home Celtic record this season. Their opponents, Edinburgh, were last year’s Cup runners up, however the omens are not good for the Scots who have only one of their last seven away league games.
THE CELTIC CUP – 2004/05
QUARTER FINALS
Match 1
Ospreys (1) v Ulster (8) Saturday 30th April, kick-off 17.30, live on S4C
Match 2
Munster (2) v Edinburgh (7) Saturday 30th April, kick-off 19.30, live on Setanta Sports
Match 3
Leinster (3) v Glasgow (6) Friday 29th April, kick-off 19.30, live on Setanta Sports
Match 4
Dragons (4) v Scarlets (5) Friday 29th April, kick-off 19.05, live on BBC Wales
