Luke McGrath
It's fairly as you were for Leinster as they take on the Cardiff Blues on Friday. There are changes at scrum half where Luke McGrath comes in, the back row has been redone, but apart form that it looks settled. The Blues won't have been pleased to lose to Edinburgh, and won't want top make it two losses on the trot either. The Blues have a seriously good squad though, and to me have been under performing for a few seasons. Home advantage should see us through I would expect, and be a fitting occasion for Devin Toner's 200th cap.
Overall though, all the teams are going to have to lift their game this season. The Scarlets are the new team to beat - they've lost a few players this season, but have brought in good players too. Glasgow and Connacht both have ambitious new Kiwi coaches, who are going to expect results fast. And Edinburgh could do well under Richard Cockeril, they have some good players, and lost a lot of close matches last season. Finally, Ulster looked good against the Cheetahs, and Munster have made a host of shrewd signings in the off season, if they can get a good coach they'll continue on their upward trajectory.
Friday 8th September
Guinness PRO14
Edinburgh 19:35 Dragons
Leinster 19:35 Cardiff Blues
Saturday 9th September
Glasgow Warriors 15:15 Ospreys
Benetton Rugby 17:05 Ulster
Munster 17:15 Cheetahs
Connacht 19:35 Southern Kings
Zebre 19:35 Scarlets
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