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The next PRO14 record Leinster look set to topple

By Online Editors
James Ryan /PA

The three unbeaten Irish club sides will be looking to extend their run of form as the PRO14 Championship moves into round seven with some mouthwatering clashes. Defending champions Leinster will be looking to set yet another PRO14 record as they face Cardiff Blues in Dublin on Sunday as they try to equal the championship record of seven bonus-point victories in succession.

Leinster have won their last 14 PRO14 encounters against the Blues, since last losing way back in February 2011 but the Blues have shown a turn of form this year and could give Cullen’s side some headaches.

Johann van Graan’s Munster side are enjoying their best start to a championship in 11 years but will travel to the Scotstoun in Glasgow on Monday night for their clash with the Warriors knowing they face a tough encounter.

FULL DOCUMENTARY: Game Day - Leinster's 2018 PRO14 Final victory

These two sides have not met in PRO14 action for more than two years, so the contest is an intriguing one even though Munster are unbeaten in their five outings this season. By contrast Danny Wilson’s Warriors have lost their last three games in the competition and are desperately looking for redemption.

Wilson will also know that the last five meetings between these two sides has been won by the home side, underlining their confidence ahead of the clash.

Marcell Coetzee’s heroics this season for Ulster will take another turn this weekend when his team hosts the in-form Scarlets at the Kingspan stadium in Belfast on Sunday.

Dan McFarland’s side will want to use their home ground advantage to continue their run of six victories on the trot this season, with Coetzee the hero of the big win over Zebre this past week when he scored four tries.

Scarlets have only won once in their last 13 visits to Belfast, but they have back-to-back victories under their belts and will fancy their chances of causing an upset against the high-flying Ulstermen.

The other Irish side in the competition, Connacht will be relishing their chances as they head to Zebre after the home side’s poor performance at the hands of Ulster during the week.

Zebre were just looking promising after a narrow defeat at the hands of Scarlets and their win over the Ospreys, but the big scoreline Ulster put up would have put a major dent in their confidence. Connacht will need to bounce back after losing to the Scarlets in round six and if they are to turn their season around and look for a playoff place this is one game they need to win.

Ospreys and Benetton will kick off the weekend action just after lunchtime on Sunday with the Welsh side coming off three straight losses in the competition. It will be Benetton’s first visit to St. Helens in Swansea and the odds are on a home victory.

PRO14 Fixtures

Sunday

Ospreys v Benetton - 3.45pm

Zebre v Connacht - 4.30pm

Leinster v Cardiff Blues - 7.15pm

Ulster v Scarlets - 9.15pm

Monday

Glasgow Warriors v Munster – 10.15pm