Connacht v Leinster Friday 29th October 2006

Tricky Weekend…..

As already posted, it’s the Irish Inter-Provincial games this weekend which makes for difficult decisions, it’s also the Scottish derby up North. Hmmmm.

Leinster and Munster both have their full quota of international players back and rumour has it that the guy’s coming back are chomping at the bit at the chance of actually playing again.





Connacht v Leinster - Friday 29 September


Brian O'Driscoll returns to captain the Leinster side for his first competitive start of the season alongside the returning Shane Horgan - who he partners at centre - and Girvan Dempsey, for Leinster at Connacht in the Magners league on Friday.

Luke Fitzgerald retains his place on the wing, while both Gordon D'Arcy and Malcolm O'Kelly have been named on a strong-looking bench which includes ex-Connacht duo Ronan McCormack and Bernard Jackman

Form: Mark McHugh salvaged a 22-all draw for Connacht last Friday night against Edinburgh with a superb 87th minute penalty goal from 40 metres out. This game is Connacht’s 7th home game in their last eight matches and they are due to play two more gamesat the Sportsground before this current home run ends! Leinster’s previous six league games have gone; won, lost, won, lost, won, lost, but away from home they have won just once in their last four trips: 31-8 at Edinburgh on 26 May.

Recommendation:

As I've previously mentioned lots of times, Conn are a notoriously good and brave side at home but I was impressed with Leinster last weekend at the Scarlets and having BOD, their talisman back in the side only pushes more more towards a decent Leinster win. William Hill are offering a converted score to Conn so I'm taking Leinster at -7