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[2014/15 Pro12] Predictions

iINDOMINUSxx

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so as we are close to the first Pro 12 match for this year. what do you think the table will look like at the end off this season, i think it will look something like this

1.) Glasgow Warriors (Champions) just because last year they had a really good season just lost out to Leinster and honestly would love to see someone else but leinster to win it and would be lovely to see a scottish side win this year.

2.) Leinster (Runner's up) i think the loss of O'Driscoll and Cullen could make them runners up as they got the home final because off try bonus points but i have a feeling that wouldn't be the case this year.

3.) Ulster (Semi-Final's) Only just missed out off the finals by a late try, but i think they will miss out this season yet again. or could reach the finals but still lose it.

4.) Ospreys (Semi-Final's) Just missed out on a semi-final place, but they look like they will have a good squad this year and could cause some damage

5.) Munster - I dont feel they have a strong a squad as they have last year, but i think they will only just miss out on the semi's this year but being honest i dont know if munster or the ospreys will reach the semi's but i think munster will miss out.

6.) Edinburgh - Edinburgh has made some really good signing's for this year and signing witch will really make the edinburgh team much stronger which is the only reason why i think they can potentially make 6th this year.

7.) Cardiff Blues - I feel the arrival of Gareth Anscombe will make a huge difference for Cardiff and will get them 7th, maybe 6th but i think 7th

8.) Scarlets - really haven't make that much big signings and i think Liam Williams wouldn't have a great season at all and that is my reason for the Scarlets making 8th this year.

9.) Connacht - I think signing the like's off Mils Muliaina and Tom McCartney they do look good, but two players doesn't change the team which is why they wouldn't go any higher than 9th

10.) Zebre - They too have made some good signing which will make them better than they're italian rivals this year but only make's 10th and the signing aren't that big

11.) Newport Gwent Dragons - They're team doesn't look good this year apart from Lee Byrne but he is getting old. so i think the dragons will really struggle this year.

12.) Benetton Treviso - they sold alot off they're vital players and haven't really bought anyone who would make a big impact to the team so i think Treviso will really struggle this year and that is why i think they'll end bottom this year.

so that is how i think the table will look this year, what do you think will be the table for this year if you need last year table to help you decide then here it is:
RaboDirect Pro12

[TABLE="class: cms_table, width: 624"]
<tbody>[TR="class: cms_table_colheading"]
[TH="class: cms_table_c1, bgcolor: #000000"][/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c2, bgcolor: #000000"]Team[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c3, bgcolor: #000000"]Played[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c4, bgcolor: #000000"]Won[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c5, bgcolor: #000000"]Drawn[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c6, bgcolor: #000000"]Lost[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c7, bgcolor: #000000"]For[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c8, bgcolor: #000000"]Against[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c9, bgcolor: #000000"]Bonus Pts[/TH]
[TH="class: cms_table_c10, bgcolor: #000000"]Points[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Leinster[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]17[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]4[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]554[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]352[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]82[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]2[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Glasgow[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]18[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]4[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]484[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]309[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]79[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]3[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Munster[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]16[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]6[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]538[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]339[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]74[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]4[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Ulster[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]470[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]319[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]70[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Ospreys[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]8[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]571[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]388[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]66[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]6[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Scarlets[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]11[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]435[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]438[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]9[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]55[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Cardiff Blues[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]8[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]13[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]425[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]538[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]41[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]8[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Edinburgh[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]397[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]526[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]38[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]9[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]NG Dragons[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]7[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]14[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]392[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]492[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]35[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Connacht[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]6[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]16[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]371[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]509[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]11[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]35[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]11[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Treviso[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]16[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]376[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]591[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]8[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]30[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: cms_table_alternate"]
[TD="class: cms_table_rank, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]12[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_col_text, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]Zebre[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pld, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]22[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_w, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_d, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]2[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_l, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_f, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]347[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_a, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]559[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_b, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: cms_table_pts, bgcolor: #F5F5F5, align: center"]29[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]

 
We'll probably be first or second. Pro 12 is won as much on depth as anything else, and we have more strength in depth than anyone else in the league. Bit of a gamble in the knock out stages.
 
The fact is that Connacht have far outsigned Edinburgh, and I'd be surprised if they don't finish ahead of them.
I would certainly think and hope Munster reach the semis, but then again maybe not.
Glasgow should place highly enough but Im not sure they'll go the distance. I think I'll put my hat on Ulster to win it.
 
ImScottyif you think we are worst than last year then oh my.
We've our best options/competition at back row, hooker and LH than we've had in years and probably our back 3 options are as dangerous now they've all had full preseason.
Glasgow are arguably under most pressure to back up their last season.
Connacht have a serious team which I think will mix it and end up mid table.
The Dragons will be pushing too. This could be strange league and it's hard to say who'll win as playoffs and home advantage play huge part
 
i didn't say they'll be worse i just dont think they'll have as good a season as last year
 
Munster have some serious weak areas though. If anything were to happen to BJ Botha or Conor Murray they're in a lot of trouble very quickly. Their centre situation is rather confused to say the least and they need to decide what they're going to do at 10. They still lack a bit class out wide too, Zebo is a good player, but I don't think they threaten enough from full back or the other wing.
 
The Italian teams will be terrible, Zebre are about the same as they were in the past which is awful but haven't downgraded, whereas Treviso lost a pile of national team guys and only replaced them with guys from the Italian domestic league or aging and substandard SH imports. I see them filling both the bottom spots of the table. They might beat each other and if lucky might catch the Dragons or Edinburgh sleeping at home. I'd be surpised if the Italian teams win more than 2-3 games combined against the other countries sides.
 
Munster have some serious weak areas though. If anything were to happen to BJ Botha or Conor Murray they're in a lot of trouble very quickly. Their centre situation is rather confused to say the least and they need to decide what they're going to do at 10. They still lack a bit class out wide too, Zebo is a good player, but I don't think they threaten enough from full back or the other wing.

While all of this is true, the only bit of it that is new is the confused centre situation, and lets be honest that used to be straight-forwards not outstanding. Not that it's outstanding now, but it doesn't make them weaker. The emergence of Cronin, Foley and Casey have really strengthened their tight five at a moment when it was beginning to look weak. Copeland for Coughlan is an upwards trade at their different times of life, with all due respect to Coughlan's cleverness. And yeah, while they're praying for fitness over key players, that's true of everyone but maybe Leinster.

The four big question marks for me are 1) How will the new team settle in 2) Is Stander going to make a breakthrough 3) How good is that new 13 really and possibly most importantly 4) What happens with Keatley and Hanrahan. They get both of those players firing, there'll be a lot of chances for wide players to have a shot at it.

Not sure what I'd predict, but I feel that barring everything clicking at one of their rivals, this is Leinster's. That said, it will probably all click at one of Ospreys, Glasgow, Munster and Ulster.
 
While all of this is true, the only bit of it that is new is the confused centre situation, and lets be honest that used to be straight-forwards not outstanding. Not that it's outstanding now, but it doesn't make them weaker. The emergence of Cronin, Foley and Casey have really strengthened their tight five at a moment when it was beginning to look weak. Copeland for Coughlan is an upwards trade at their different times of life, with all due respect to Coughlan's cleverness. And yeah, while they're praying for fitness over key players, that's true of everyone but maybe Leinster.

The four big question marks for me are 1) How will the new team settle in 2) Is Stander going to make a breakthrough 3) How good is that new 13 really and possibly most importantly 4) What happens with Keatley and Hanrahan. They get both of those players firing, there'll be a lot of chances for wide players to have a shot at it.

Not sure what I'd predict, but I feel that barring everything clicking at one of their rivals, this is Leinster's. That said, it will probably all click at one of Ospreys, Glasgow, Munster and Ulster.


I'd include Bleyendaal in the 10 situation. I know he's been signed to play 12, but I'm not sure that's what we'll see. He has literally no experience there, while both Hanrahan and Keatley have played in the midfield before. I think it's a three into two situation, but it's far from clear who will get the nod.
 
Lads we are going nicely and as I said Bohane will feature in centres too and the more underdogs we are the better I think as Peat said we are not the only team an injury or 2 away from problems. I think Ulster and Leinster are just as vulnerable.
 
Lads we are going nicely and as I said Bohane will feature in centres too and the more underdogs we are the better  I think as Peat said we are not the only team an injury or 2 away from problems. I think Ulster and Leinster are just as vulnerable.

I don't doubt Munster are in a good position. The issues I've mentioned are small enough.

I know it sounds massively overconfident, but unless we get an ridiculous amount of injuries we shouldn't have any trouble getting a top 4 spot. Our issue isn't a lack of depth, I reckon we have at least 2 players of around the same standard in every position on the pitch (except maybe second row.) Our problem is that we lack class in the back line. We've done little to replace Isa, Johnny and BOD, but aside from that we're strong across the board.
 
I'd forgotten Bleyendaal. Agreed he'll be part of the equation, although maybe not to begin with, what with the incumbents having a slight head advantage.

Leinster aren't as vulnerable to injuries, Ulster are probably more so. Leinster might be short of out and out "Wow" quality and have a few question marks, but their depth is ridiculous.
 
I don't doubt Munster are in a good position. The issues I've mentioned are small enough.

I know it sounds massively overconfident, but unless we get an ridiculous amount of injuries we shouldn't have any trouble getting a top 4 spot. Our issue isn't a lack of depth, I reckon we have at least 2 players of around the same standard in every position on the pitch (except maybe second row.) Our problem is that we lack class in the back line. We've done little to replace Isa, Johnny and BOD, but aside from that we're strong across the board.

Depth isn't problem though. It's quality and leadership. Like if we loose POC we still have DOC Ryan and Foley but you loose something. I'm sure you'd agree Leinster have depth in back row but are total different animal with SOB. Like I'd confidently say apart from 3,9 and 13 we have 2 in every spot easily. And even on that if Archer keeps progressing it'll be a plus. Our new lad Martin Kelly is going well in training too. So BJ is working hard with them and they'll be ok against lower teams in league. Sheridan will be back at 9 too which helps there.
 
Much will depend on how teams do in Europe also. A European run means teams have to fight on 2 fronts which stretches resources.

I think the top 4 and the bottom 2 will be the same as last season. Munster and Ulster have made a few changes since last season while Glasgow have made minimal changes. I think Leinster have some cracking talent coming through like Jack Conan but in the short term the loss of their experienced players and MOCs tactics could have a negative effect. Ulster have a load of new players, they definitely look like they've strengthened the squad. Munster also look healthy with Copeland being the one to watch as well as Bleyendaal and Martin Kelly.

I think Cardiff, Dragons and Connacht look to like they've strengthened and should be more competitive next season. Dragons have been most busy rebuilding and signed some quality experienced players that should give them a big boost. Connacht have made some excellent signings also and have the likes of Henshaw and Marmion looking to push for an Ireland place but they're still weak up front and once the wet weather comes around that could hinder their progress.

Ospreys and Scarlets, I don't know what to make of. Both will be hard to beat again but Ospreys have lost some big name players so I don't see them breaking the top 4. Of the Italians Treviso look decimated but Zebre had a good ending to last season and could kick on a bit more this season. Interesting to note the Italians are signing a lot more foreigners than usual!


1 Leinster
2 Munster
3 Ulster
4 Glasgow

5 Ospreys
6 Cardiff
7 Scarlets
8 Connacht
9 Dragons
10 Edinburgh
11 Zebre
12 Treviso


Last season 12pts seperated 1st and 4th. 2 - 3 are hard to call.
Last season 31pts seperated the 5th (Ospreys) and the 9th and 10th (Dragons and Connacht) teams. I think it'll be much closer between the 5th and 10th team this season.

Looking at each nation, the Welsh teams will be closer this season. The Irish are close with the exception of Connacht - who are improving. The Italians are close. The Scots are miles apart, which is a bit embarrassing for Edinburgh.
 
From what i have seen so far, and what i predict in the future.

1. Ospreys/Glasgow
2. Glasgow/Ospreys
3. Leinster
4. Munster
5. Ulster
6. Scarlets
7. Cardiff
8. Connaght
9. Edinburgh
10. Zebre
11. Treviso

Final - Ospreys v Leinster

Victor - Haven't a clue.
 
From what i have seen so far, and what i predict in the future.

1. Ospreys/Glasgow
2. Glasgow/Ospreys
3. Leinster
4. Munster
5. Ulster
6. Scarlets
7. Cardiff
8. Connaght
9. Edinburgh
10. Zebre
11. Treviso

Final - Ospreys v Leinster

Victor - Haven't a clue.
you missed out the dragons ;)
 
Ospreys proving the doubters wrong so far! Connacht flying, Dragons and Blues (again) have made bad starts. The Italians as expected.

Its early days yet though. As the season goes on squad size will come into it more. So I'm sticking with my original predictions for the time being.

Munster and Leinster both playing cr@p rugby so far this season. So they'll need to up a few gears.
 
Last edited:
From what i have seen so far, and what i predict in the future.

1. Ospreys/Glasgow
2. Glasgow/Ospreys
3. Leinster
4. Munster
5. Ulster
6. Scarlets
7. Cardiff
8. Connaght
9. Edinburgh
10. Zebre
11. Treviso

Final - Ospreys v Leinster

Victor - Haven't a clue.

If Ospreys finish 2nd and Leinster 3rd it's impossible to meet in a Final?
 

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