Magners League returns with derby action

The Magners League returns this weekend with four matches, including a prime Welsh derby between Llanelli Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night.

The Scarlets won 17-11 at home to Ulster last time out in their first Magners League win since November 10th. The Scarlets run in to the end of the season sees them play six of their remaining seven Magners League matches at Stradey Park.

The Dragons have won three of their last four matches in the Magners League but have not won away from home in the competition since their visit to Border Reivers on September 22nd. Meanwhile, the Scarlets have won their last five matches in all competitions against the Dragons, whilst the Dragons are yet to taste victory at Stradey Park.

Also on Friday night is a huge clash between Irish giants Ulster and Munster. Ulster are unbeaten at Ravenhill in the league for thirteen matches, while Munster will be looking to ease themselves up the table, as well as create a springboard for their Heineken Cup quarter-final next weekend.

Friday night sees a Scottish derby with high-flying Edinburgh travelling to the Border Reivers, who will be keen to secure a victory over another Scottish side for the first time since New Year’s Eve in 2005. However, Edinburgh have lost their last two league games, slipping to fifth in the table, and will see Friday night as an opportunity to bounce back when they face the league’s basement side.

The final game of the weekend is another Irish derby between Leinster and Connacht on Saturday. Leinster, who lead the table, are the third Magners League side with a Heineken Cup semi-final next weekend. A home win would set up Leinster for their game with London Wasps and victory would see them tie the record for the longest home-winning run in the history of the league, currently held jointly by Ulster and the Dragons at fourteen successive home wins.

The odds on that happening look good as Connacht have lost their last five games against the Dublin based side and have not won in the capital since 2002.