Guinness Pro14 preview: Leinster v Glasgow

On their last visit to the RDS, Glasgow came away with a bonus point win.

Leinster's place at the top of Conference A might well be beyond anyone's reach, but there is still a tonne to play for as the difference between second and third cannot be overstated. As things stand, a third place finish would mean a visit to Thomond Park for a Quarter Final. For that to be avoided, Glasgow will need to be the team to finally put a stop to Leinster's winning streak that stretches back to May 2019. Seven points separate them from Ulster, and with the northern province's game called off this weekend, the Scots will need every point they can get. This Friday (kick-off at 7.35pm on eir sport 1), Glasgow Warriors will be looking to replicate their 24-39 win from last season. With a host of Leinster's international players missing you'd expect that to be made a lot easier, but taking one look at the team sheet will tell you that is not the case. Here are the two squads:

Leinster

15. Hugo Keenan 14. Dave Kearney 13. Jimmy O’Brien 12. Joe Tomane 11. James Lowe 10. Harry Byrne 9. Luke McGrath 1. Peter Dooley 2. Seán Cronin 3. Michael Bent 4. Ryan Baird 5. Scott Fardy (C) 6. Josh Murphy 7. Will Connors 8. Max Deegan

Bench: James Tracy, Michael Milne, Jack Aungier, Jack Dunne, Rhys Ruddock, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ciarán Frawley, Fergus McFadden

Glasgow Warriors

15. Glenn Bryce 14. Tommy Seymour 13. Huw Jones 12. Nick Grigg 11. Kyle Steyn 10. Pete Horne 9. George Horne 1. Aki Seiuli 2. George Turner 3. D’arcy Rae 4. Rob Harley 5. Tim Swinson 6. Ryan Wilson (C) 7. Tom Gordon 8. Matt Fagerson

Bench: Mesu Dolokoto, Alex Allan, Ewan McQuillin, Andrew Davidson, Callum Gibbins, Jamie Dobie, Ruaridh Jackson, Niko Matawalu

Prediction

It hasn't exactly been difficult to predict what way Leinster will go go this season. A win, particularly at home, seems inevitable against pretty much any team that comes in their path. Saying that, Glasgow are most certainly not a team you should rule out. The three-point loss in last season's final would still be very fresh on their minds, and clashes between these two sides tend to be close affairs. Both teams have gone for a mixture of youth and experience, and they are two impressive XV's given how many players are unavailable due to injury and international duty. Dave Kearney and James Lowe won't exactly need much of an excuse to ask questions of the Glasgow defence. Having players of that calibre outside the relatively inexperienced Harry Byrne should give the youngster a chance to show off his skills, with a strong pack to give him good quality ball. Tommy Seymour has been pretty limited this season after his involvement in the World Cup, but both him and George Horne making the list of top 10 try-scorers last season tells you all you need to know. In the unlikely event of Leinster leaving any gaps in their defence, these are the guys capable of exposing them. Verdict: Leinster by seven.

"They take huge pride in this area.

"They are brilliant at defending in multi-phase passages"@Murray_Kinsella takes a look at why the @leinsterrugby defence is so effective. #GuinnessPRO14 The #PRO14Hour is LIVE now on eir sport 1! pic.twitter.com/v9NNVOrTpg — eir Sport (@eirSport) February 26, 2020