Pro 12 New Year's round up

The top half of the Pro 12 is about as stable as a dingy in a storm. Losses for Connacht and Ulster prove costly, while wins for Leinster and Edinburgh reshuffle the top four.

The weekend was always going to be a serious affair. First round of 2016, and a clutter of derbies brought out the flair, despite the rain. There were 17 tries throughout the round, seven of which were scored in the blistering elements of South Wales.

A losing bonus point is all that kept the Scarlets at the top of the table. They conceded a much needed five league points to struggling Cardiff Blues.

Two simple mistakes allowed the Scarlets to grab early tries, but the blues bounced back, and Alex Cuthbert collected the bonus point try late on with Rhys Patchell sealing the win with the conversion.

Leinster are sitting just behind the Scarlets, and enjoyed their 6th win on the trot as they held Connacht to a 13-0 win in Dublin.

We said on social media last week Leinster would win the trophy. Don’t forget that!

This puts the surprise league leaders from a few weeks ago down into third, and in the middle of a downward spiral. They struggled to get their attacking game going, and had little opportunity but for a loose grubber to winger Niyi Adeolokun, quelled by the defensive efforts of Dave Kearney.

Edinburgh did the double over defending champions, and arch rivals, Glasgow on Saturday… Just. A late Phil Burleigh try clinched the win to cancel out Mark Bennett’s earlier try for Glasgow. The rest was up to the 10’s.

They’ve spent the last few years in the shadow of the Glaswegians who’ve reached two finals, and won the league last year.

The win allowed Edinburgh to climb into the playoff zone, not that they can relax. They share 32 league points with 5th placed Munster and 6th placed Ulster, points difference the only separation.

Munster ended their five game losing streak in Belfast as they knocked Ulster out of the top four in the table. The only try came from Ulster’s Louis Ludik early on, and a couple of late missed penalties from Paddy Jackson allowed Munster’s lead to stay intact.

It’s worth watching the Italian derby highlights. A couple of strong attempts on either line were held up, and both sides weren’t afraid to throw the ball about despite the fog and rain. Two tries from Zebre’s Guilio Toniolatti and Luke Burgess secured the win. It leaves Treviso still without a win this season.

The Scarlets will face Connacht next week, a game neither side can afford to lose, and could change the dynamic of the top half completely. Munster fans will be hoping for a draw in that game, as they expect the full five points from Zebre, no offense to any Italians. It would see them climb into the top two.

Match of the weekend – Cardiff Blues vs Scarlets

League Leader – Scarlets