Magners League Round One Results
Welcome back!
In the first round of the Magners League for 2008-09 Munster got off to a winning start against Edinburgh winning 20-15 in a result that was closer than it could have been. Munster scored two tries to Chris Paterson’s five penalty goals and were clearly the stronger side against the home team.
In a penalty fest Glasgow won 12-6 over the Dragons thanks to Dan Parks boot with four penalties in a rain soaked match. The match was played in tough conditions which reduced the match to a battle of the forwards and kicking, the backrow of Glasgow took control and Dan Parks kicked his side to victory.
The Scarlets defeated Ulster 16-9 in another low scoring rain affected match. Scarlets were the only team to score a try through Darren Daniel and former Queensland Reds player Clinton Schifcofske scored all Ulster’s points through penalties.
Ospreys downed Connacht 16-3 through a try to Nikki Walker and the boot of James Hook. The win in rain affects conditions was Ospreys first away win in the Magners League since the 2006-07 season.
Magners League Round One Preview
The Magners League kicks off tomorrow Australian time with Connacht playing Ospreys. Once again we are likely to see a highly competitive season and no doubt some teams will develop into surprise packets.
The big match of Round One is the Cardiff Blues vs Leinster, the top two sides from last year. The winner is likely to be regarded the most likely champion of the Magners League. Cardiff Blues are likely to scrap over the line but Leinster will build as the season progresses.
Leinster recruited well with Australia’s blindside flanker Rocky Elsom to join them in the coming weeks after his commitment with rhe Wallabies cease after the New Zealand clash. Elsom will add considerable venom to an already imposing side.
In other matches Ospreys are likely to have too much firepower for Connacht. A potential early clash that could determine the quality of both sides is Edinburgh and Munster. Munster have been a traditional heavyweight and Edinburgh could be a big performer this year.
We will soon get a clearer idea in the coming weeks of who are the pretenders and who will challenge for end of season glory. The Ruck and Maul will cover the results after the matches on the weekend. I have bolded the teams I believe will win.
Who do you rhink will win the Magners League?
Friday 5th September
Connacht vs Ospreys
Edinburgh vs Munster
Newport-Gwent Dragons vs Glasgow
Ulster vs Llanelli Scarlets
Saturday 6th September
Cardiff Blues vs Leinster
Magners League
The Magners League kicks off on Friday 5th September with Connacht vs Ospreys, Edinburgh vs Munster, Newport-Gwent Dragons vs Glasgow, Ulster v Llanelli Scarlets and on Saturday 6th September the Cardiff Blues vs Leinster.
The clash between the Cardiff Blues and Leinster will be an interesting clash with the two form sides from last year looking to get the edge over each other.
Here at The Ruck and Maul we will provide a summary each week of results and any key news from the clubs. If you would like to contribute any news ot information or interested in providing a summary of your favourite team leave a comment on this page or email me at wes@theruckandmaul.com.