Preview: Pro12, Final

 

That was their most recent appearance in a major final and was their fifth successive victory in the final of all tournaments they have contested. 

 

The Munstermen are unbeaten in their last six Pro12 encounters, since losing 12-26 at Ospreys in Round 17 – their only defeat in the tournament since New Year’s Day. Munster have won both of their encounters with Scottish opponents in 2015, but have triumphed only once in Belfast in their last eight visits.

 

Munster captain Peter O'Mahony has been ruled out late with injury but, believes it is going to be a compelling clash between the Celtic rivals.

 

"It's going to be a great game. Every time we've played them in recent years has made for very exciting encounters and this weekend won't be any different with both sides bringing out the best in each other," said O'Mahony

 

"We'll certainly have our work cut out for us."

 

Glasgow Warriors are bidding to become the first Scottish side ever to carry off the Pro12 title, and are playing in a second successive final following their defeat to Leinster at the RDS Arena 12 months ago. 

 

That was Glasgow’s only previous appearance in the final of any major competition. The Warriors solitary defeat in their last seven Pro12 encounters was 10-21 at Ospreys on May 8. Warriors have lost just two of their nine fixtures with Irish provinces this season – at Ulster in October and at Munster in February. 

 

The Scotsmen’s only victory at Kingspan Stadium in their last six visits since 2009 was 13-12 over hosts Ulster in September 2013.

 

Munster’s 22-10 victory over the Warriors in Cork in Round 16 ended a three game losing run to the Scotsmen, including a 16-15 reversal at Scotstoun in last season’s Play-Off. 

 

Warriors' Stuart Hogg is hoping the Ulster supporters will get behind the Warriors in the showpiece event.

 

"Hopefully all the locals in Belfast get behind us on Saturday too and there will be plenty of Glasgow supporters over there," said Hogg.

 

"We've targeted to be the first Scottish team to win a title. We are in a great position and have worked very hard to get to where we are and we have one more game.

 

"It's going to take a full eighty-minute performance from us to win. 

 

"It's going to be a great occasion and hopefully it's one we can remember for the right reasons."

 

 

For Glasgow: DTH van der Merwe will be extra motivated in his last game for the Warriors and he will be looking to go out on a high. Stuart Hogg is one of the in-form fullbacks in the world and he will be looking to slice some holes from the back. Look out for Finn Russell dictating the game from flyhalf and adding points with the boot. Josh Strauss is a bruising carrier and a hard worker, it wont be hard to spot him all over the park. 

 

For Munster: Simon Zebo will take any chance handed to him. Duncan Williams is a live wire No.9 and provides crisp service to his flyhalf, he will be looking to take his opportunity as Conor Murray is ruled out with injury. Watch out for CJ Stander, the recently named Pro12 player of the season has been in sublime form and his robust and dynamic play will scare Glasgow. Flank Paddy Butler always carries a huge work-load on his back.

 

 

Head to head: Such is the nature of finals rugby, Stuart Hogg and Felix Jones will be looking for any tactical territorial advantage they can grab with their kicking games. The competition between Duncan Williams and Henry Prygos will be a feisty one, while Finn Russell and Ian Keatley will try and out-smart each other all-day. Both No.8's Josh Strauss and CJ Stander will be hoping to be dominant in ball carries, in the line-outs it will be between Johnny Grey and Paul O'Connell and at scrum-time the big battle will be between BJ Botha and Gordon Reid. 

 

 

2015: Munster won 22-10, Cork 

2014: Glasgow won 21-18, Glasgow

2014: Glasgow won 16-15, Glasgow

2014: Glasgow won 22-5, Limerick

2013: Munster won 13-6, Glasgow

2009: Glasgow won 51-24, Glasgow

 

Prediction: Glasgow Warriors are looking to be the first Scottish side ever to lift the Pro12 trophy. That motivation, plus the momentum of finishing top of the Pro12 standings, will guide Glasgow to a 6-0 victory in Belfast.

 

 

 

Date: Saturday, May 30.

Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast

Kick-off: 18.30 (17.30 GMT)

Expected weather: Mainly dry and bright on Saturday, although rain predicted at a later stage. 13 degrees celcius.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Assistant referees:  Ian Davies (Wales), Sean Brickell (Wales)

TMO: Derek Bevan (Wales)

 

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