The Pro 12 smashes back into action this weekend as it returns to our screens from an ending fitting of a Hollywood movie.
Connacht’s Leicester-like raise last season to be crowned Pro 12 champions for the first time captured the hearts and minds of rugby lovers across the globe.
However, our traders don’t see them making it a historic double and have them fifth – below the other three Irish provinces – on the odds table at to claim back-to-back titles.
Crutch, touch, pause and engage with our Pro 12 odds on PP.com
Our pick of the opening round of games is a mouth-watering treble that works out at about 43/1.
Firstly, we are going for Scarlets to topple Munster at Parc y Scarlets at tomorrow.
While Munster did win the final day meeting 31-15 last season Thomond Park, Scarlets edged them 25-22 at home.
The Scarlets also held the edge in points scored per average last season over Munster – scoring 21.68 points per game to 20.86 from Munster.
So look for the Scarlets to just squeeze through given Munster’s recent injury and retirement woes.
Ultimate Ulster
The make-up of Ulster’s settled squad sees them come in at a tantalising to win the entire competition.
Less Kiss’ men make up the second part of our treble. We are looking for them to beat Dragons by 15-21 point margin in the handicap betting at .
Dragons conceded a whopping 57 tries last season – the most of any team outside of the two Italian clubs.
With many fancying Craig Gilroy to be the competition’s top try scorer and the addition of the exciting Charles Pitutau to the backline, we think the Ulstermen should cover that margin.
Limping Leinster
Despite claiming top spot in the table last year, Leinster fell at the feet of all-concurring Connacht in the Pro 12 final.
It’s no secret that they have been they are hamstrung by multiple injuries to key players.
This is why we only have them beating lowly Benetton Treviso by an 8-14 margin in the handicap market at to round out our treble.
Ireland internationals Jonny Sexton, Sean O’Brien and new singing Robbie Henshaw all remain on the treatment table, but Leinster still remain favourites for the entire competition at .
Given that Benetton Treviso finished bottom of the Pro 12 last season – shipping 614 points in the process, it’s very hard to see them causing a shock in Dublin tonight.
Game of the weekend
The tie of the opening weekend most certainly takes place at 5.15pm in Galway’s Sportsground tomorrow.
Champions Connacht are to repeat their win in last season’s semi-final against Glasgow Warriors.
The Warriors are highly thought off in the overall market as second favourites for the crown.
This contest should provide a fascinating insight to how both side’s season should pan out.