At a glance: Munster look to build on Leinster win

By Brendan Cole

GUINNESS PRO12 FIXTURES

Friday 10 October

Munster v Scarlets 19.35

Benetton Treviso v Connacht, 1900 (Irish time)

Saturday 11 October

Edinburgh v N-G Dragons, 14.40

Zebre v Leinster, 1500 (Irish time)

Ulster v Glasgow, 1705

Sunday 12 October

Ospreys v Cardiff, 1600

Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, Friday, Kick off 1935

Munster have named a strong side showing eight changes from last week. The front-row is fresh and strong with BJ Botha and Dave Kilcoyne in from the start after appearing off the bench against Leinster.

Peter O'Mahony returns to the starting line-up in a robust back-row that also features Tommy O'Donnell and CJ Stander is another boost.

Whatever about early season communication mishaps, Anthony Foley deserves credit for being able to win his key early season match and then name a side of quality with eight changes the following week.

Munster showed last week that they have reconnected with some old attributes, grinding Leinster's faces in the Aviva Stadium turf in what must have been an extremely satisfying success for Foley and his team.

That particular brand of rugby is best saved up for select matches though, and a different mentality will likely be on display tonight.

In the past, Munster might have relied on Ronan O'Gara to take some of the load off his pack in a match like this and JJ Hanrahan gets the chance to show he can do a similar job of setting targets with the boot and bringing a strong Munster set-piece into play as often as possible with a mix of high kicks and touch finders.

The Scarlets bring a decent looking side with Liam Williams, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Aaron Shingler and John Barclay the leading lights but their away form is particularly poor and does not bode well.

Munster used to have a habit of putting on a bit of a show after a big win and should eventually do the same tonight if they can establish early separation on the scoreboard.

Verdict: Munster 39-12 Scarlets

Benetton Treviso v Connacht, Stadio di Monigo, Friday, Kick off 1900

Connacht have been the story of the Pro12 in the opening part of the season with only table-toppers Glasgow Warriors able to lower their colours so far.

In contrast, Treviso have yet to register a point of any type on the league table and are last at the moment. They haven't won a match since April.

That said, this will be no cake walk and Connacht will need to be on their game as they are a team the Italians will fancy their chances against.

Alessandro Zanni's return from a long-term injury should also give Treviso's efforts more direction.

If Treviso stay true to form, and given the lack of quality in their backline they have little choice, this will be a challenge for the Connacht pack, especially debutant hooker Shane Delahunt.

But Connacht are on a roll and if they can get the pace up and bring their quality backs into the equation they have the ammunition to notch a fourth Pro12 win before mid-October.

Verdict: Treviso 11-19 Connacht

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