Who wont make the Pro12 play offs? Includes table and remaining fixtures

First topic message reminder :

Current standings after round 20

1 Ulster 20 15 1 4 71
2 Leinster 20 15 0 5 68
3 Glasgow 20 14 0 6 67
4 Ospreys 20 14 1 5 62
5 Scarlets 20 14 0 6 62
6 Munster 20 10 1 9 48

Remaining fixtures;
Ulster; Connacht (A), Blues (H)
Leinster; Zebre (A), Ospreys (H)
Ospreys; Glasgow (A), Leinster (A)
Scarlets; Blues (H), Treviso (H)
Glasgow; Ospreys (H), Connacht (A)
Munster; Dragons (A), Zebre (A)

Choose the 2 teams you believe won't make the last 4 and your reason please.

No !

Morgannwg wrote:There are two important Glasgow games to come. They play Scarlets away and Ospreys at home. I reckon they'll lose both, have people taking into consideration the potential for that to happen when predicting the final four?

Would agree with Glasgow losing away to Scarlets but don't see the home loss against ospreys - agree it will be a tough one but what's your reasoning Morgan? I see a Glasgow team hungry for a home semi playing at home against an ospreys team, with a number of them already banking on being on the plane to Oz and while not deliberately letting it affect them, subconsciously trying not to get injured. Current form would also suggest the home win........

Indeedy Morgan, old socks.

Glasgow will pick up 8 points from these, no worries.

I was just thinking that every time Ospreys get their players back from the Wales management they look like a team transformed. With the majority of the Wales pack playing and in good form with an in-form outside half I think they will win all of their remaining games (up until the play-offs) no matter who the opposition is.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:The thing is I can't see Glasgow losing at home.

They too have a big pack (beasted some monsters this year) and they're only going to get bigger with Grant, Cusack, McArthur and Swinson coming back in...

That will be one titanic battle in a few weeks time... Gives me shivers just thinking about it.....

My predictions are

Leinster 63 - 1 - 4 - 5 - 1 = 74
Ulster 62 - 4 - 5 - 4 - 5 = 80
Glasgow 62 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 = 78
Ospreys 54 - 5 - 4 - 1 - 4 = 68
Scarlets 54 - 5 - 1 - 5 - 4 = 69

So the final standings would be
Ulster 80
Glasgow 78
Leinster 74
Scarlets 69
Ospreys 68

With Ulster vs Scarlets at Ravenhill and Glasgow vs Leinster at Scotstoun

I reckon that prediction may not even last until Sunday.

I should probably have a go too.

I can see Leinster winning all 4 individually, but reckon statistically we have to lose one. Could be Munster or Ospreys. Gave it to Ospreys

I think with Ulster having all players likely to be named from 4 to 9 coming back off injury, missing Afoa & Marshall, and an eye on the Sarries game, they will be lucky to get an lbp at the weekend.

Their other 3 fixtures are a walk in the park.

Glasgow have to lose one somewhere, I've picked the next away one.

Leinster 63 - 4 - 4 - 5 - 1 = 77
Ulster 62 - 0 - 5 - 4 - 5 = 76
Glasgow 62 - 4 - 1 - 4 - 4 = 75
Ospreys 54 - 5 - 4 - 1 - 4 = 68
Scarlets 54 - 5 - 4 - 5 - 4 = 72

So the final standings would be
Leinster 77
Ulster 76
Glasgow 75
Scarlets 72
Ospreys 65

With Leinster vs Scarlets at The RDS and Ulster vs Glasgow at Ravenhill

Agree with four semifinalists Jen (if not the order) - with the respective run ins of Scarlets and Ospreys (esp. final two away to Glasgow and Leinster), Scarlets get the fourth place.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Leinster 63 - 4 - 4 - 5 - 1 = 77
Ulster 62 - 0 - 5 - 4 - 5 = 76
Glasgow 62 - 4 - 1 - 4 - 4 = 75
Ospreys 54 - 5 - 4 - 1 - 4 = 68
Scarlets 54 - 5 - 4 - 5 - 4 = 72

So the final standings would be
Leinster 77
Ulster 76
Glasgow 75
Scarlets 72
Ospreys 65

With Leinster vs Scarlets at The RDS and Ulster vs Glasgow at Ravenhill

Yeah mostly agree Jen except I can see Glasgow potentially losing all their remaining games. They have Ospreys, Munster and trip to Galway to come so certainly can see a few losses there.

Leinster have to go to Thomond park too. Ulster will get nothing in the RDS but should win their remaining games. 3 from 4 for both I think although Ospreys is a tough one for Leinster to finish on.

I see Ospreys and Scarlets leapfrogging Glasgow.

This is now a fascinating finale and I've given up trying to guess who will qualify. However, I will make 1 bold statement and that is, if the Ospreys scrape through then I believe they will retain their title.

RubyGuby wrote:This is now a fascinating finale and I've given up trying to guess who will qualify. However, I will make 1 bold statement and that is, if the Ospreys scrape through then I believe they will retain their title.

That is bold and indeed logical but I'll see that boldness and raise you that Ospreys will lose to Ulster in the final

Consider it raised (as the actress said to the Bishop ) Ulster continue to crumble and the O's are on fire : thumbsup:

rodders wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Leinster 63 - 4 - 4 - 5 - 1 = 77
Ulster 62 - 0 - 5 - 4 - 5 = 76
Glasgow 62 - 4 - 1 - 4 - 4 = 75
Ospreys 54 - 5 - 4 - 1 - 4 = 68
Scarlets 54 - 5 - 4 - 5 - 4 = 72

So the final standings would be
Leinster 77
Ulster 76
Glasgow 75
Scarlets 72
Ospreys 65

With Leinster vs Scarlets at The RDS and Ulster vs Glasgow at Ravenhill

Yeah mostly agree Jen except I can see Glasgow potentially losing all their remaining games.
I see Ospreys and Scarlets leapfrogging Glasgow.

Fighting talk, Rodders. That there is fighting talk.

Ulster injuries are disappearing and they will be playing their first XV not their 2nd/3rd XV here on in.

The boys are back in town.....

geoff998rugby wrote:Ulster injuries are disappearing and they will be playing their first XV not their 2nd/3rd XV here on in.

The boys are back in town.....

Then let the battle commence - If Ulster are good enough to take the O's Crown then they will deserve it - Is Nick Williams back ?

Yep played last week - Henry, Henderson, Wilson, Pienaer all to return this week and Marshall next

Leinster could potentially knock the Ospreys out on the last week of the league proper. Or they could lose to them meaning they’ve to play them again the following week.

Thatsa spicy meataball!

geoff998rugby wrote:Yep played last week - Henry, Henderson, Wilson, Pienaer all to return this week and Marshall next

That should even things up a little

Well - what do you say now dudes ?

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well - what do you say now dudes ?

Munster aren't the team they used to be.

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well - what do you say now dudes ?

Great display by Glasgow - You get the impression that it will now be a great disappointment if they don't win the RABO - That in itself illustrates how far they have come - Well done

Cheers Ruby - you definitely get that sense at Scotstoun. Particularly in tight and important games (like Northampton or the recent Ulster matches), there's a hunger in the crowd that is pretty intense.

We know now that we have the tools at our disposal to win against anyone we play - whether we do or not depends on how well we play rather than, as in previous years, factors like luck, the weather, the opposition having a mare, lenient refereeing, etc.

In short, it's great to be with a club that is going places.

georgestowersbiceps wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well - what do you say now dudes ?

Munster aren't the team they used to be.

That may be the case, but how many other teams have scored 50+ points on them this season.

IanBru wrote:Cheers Ruby - you definitely get that sense at Scotstoun. Particularly in tight and important games (like Northampton or the recent Ulster matches), there's a hunger in the crowd that is pretty intense.

We know now that we have the tools at our disposal to win against anyone we play - whether we do or not depends on how well we play rather than, as in previous years, factors like luck, the weather, the opposition having a mare, lenient refereeing, etc.

In short, it's great to be with a club that is going places.

Keep it going IanBru - There's something developing up there that can only bode well for scottish rugby and it's great to see. After last nights display I've changed my Lions back 3 to Hogg, North and Cuthbert. If you guys can develop Edinburgh along similar lines then you will then be maximising things. Glasgow are also playing a good brand of rugby and mixing it up. Munster are abrasive and no easy pushovers no matter what anyone sais. It was a very good performance and the fact that you continued to go for the jugular when the game was up speaks volumes.

cakeordeath wrote:

georgestowersbiceps wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well - what do you say now dudes ?

Munster aren't the team they used to be.

That may be the case, but how many other teams have scored 50+ points on them this season.

cardiff beat them 60 14 in 2004.

Really enjoying Glasgow's play this year. Great to watch. Obviously I would rather an Irish team won the rabo, but if they keep playing the way they are we'll just have to take our hats off to them.

I hope the Ospreys don't come along and spoil everyones party again - What you think Jen

cakeordeath wrote:

georgestowersbiceps wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well - what do you say now dudes ?

Munster aren't the team they used to be.

That may be the case, but how many other teams have scored 50+ points on them this season.

Sorry, I was being facetious. Glasgow certainly look the real deal and are serious contenders for the title, great performance.

Ah I hope not. Ospreys put 45 points on Munster in the semi last year, and the winning margin was bigger.

I like the cut of Glasgow. They look the real deal.

next season hopefully we have an even better league. The rabo was always going to take time but the run in is potentially the best we have had since the tournament began!

Three teams in the mix for first place. And unlike the AP, coming first rather than second actually matters. The rabo keeps getting better.

Who's favourite now?

Feckless Rogue wrote:Three teams in the mix for first place. And unlike the AP, coming first rather than second actually matters. The rabo keeps getting better.

Who's favourite now?

I'll tell you at 8 bells tonight.

Scarlets failure to pick up the bp may well cost them. Ospreys should pick up 5pts later. So I think they should be safe.

Munster out of the mix now after the Glasgow hiding.

Still think its Scarlets over Ospreys given the respective run ins for fourth place.

Most telling result Leinster/Ulster - although probably favours the Irish Provinces in general in terms of the two home semi final spots and about the worst result for Glasgow's chances of a home semi.

Really don't know who's going to miss out now. If Leinster lose to Munster they could be in trouble.

georgestowersbiceps wrote:Really don't know who's going to miss out now. If Leinster lose to Munster they could be in trouble.

Tough at the top.
Leinster could win all their games and still end up 3rd. Or they could lose to Munster and Ospreys would have a chance to put them out of the playoffs.
To get a home semi we are depending on Ospreys or Scarlets to beat Glasgow AND winning our remaining 3.
An extra couple of inches at the death last night and it would be in our hands to top the table.

Another weekend gone and we are none the wiser (in oh so many ways).
Except, Munster are dead in the water.They could actually pick up 15 points and finish on 62pts but I'll be waking up squeezed between Kylie Minogue and Sunita from Corrie, while Nigella is in the kitchen making bacon butties, before that gets them into the play offs. As an aside: as we were leaving Scotstoun after the match we stopped to cross the road and the Munster coach passed very slowly, we smiled and waved, smiled and waved, and apart from one of their coaching staff who raised a very weary hand all the players looked at us with the glassy dead eyes of men being driven to their own funerals.
It's four from five and that's all any of us know today.
Glasgow could lose to both Welsh sides and miss out or finish fourth.
Leinster could easily lose to Munster and Osp's.
Scarlets could lose to Glasgow and win their last two home games, but then a possible 68 pts is only good enough for a chance of fourth.
If Glasgow repeat their 2nd half from Friday against the Scarlets then we're down to one Welsh side.
However, like Scizoid's dancing and ASBO's grammar, there will be more twists and turns than we can possibly envisage. Then the Warriors will be champs. Honest.

It's four from five and that's all any of us know today.

Getting tough now - looking at their run-ins, I would back the Scarlets to take the last spot now. Spreys are playing well but their run-in is very tough.

If you could combine the Spreys forwards with the Scarlets backs, you'd have a hell of a team.

I actually think Ulster have the best run in, despite the Scarlets having 3 home games. Dragons won't cause us any problems at Ravenhill the way they've been going. We are Connacht's bogey team and we absolutely hammered the Blues at the Arms Park earlier in the season. I reckon we'll take 13 or 14 points from those 3 games, maybe a little less depending on a potential European schedule.

With the other team there are still a lot of games were they have to play each other ie; Leinster vs Ospreys, Ospreys vs Glasgow, Scarlets vs Glasgow etc.

"If you could combine the Spreys forwards with the Scarlets backs, you'd have a hell of a team."


Very true perhaps they could call it Wales or something

Dodger,

we have the Hairsprays at Glasgow (Scotstoun) not Swansea

Jimbo,

what feckin dancing ? Did I miss something significant in my post match euphoria?

Schiz, your eyes were dancing every time you mentioned Niko.

Aahhh - that was The Best mucker !!!!!

Does someone want to do a summary of the run-ins for the Top 5? It's Easter Sunday and I'm lazy

I know Ulster have Dragons (H), Connacht (A) and Cardiff (H) to get you started.

Too lazy to even read the OP which has them there for you?

I'll paste it here to save you the bother of scrolling up, shall I?


Current standings after round 19

1 Glasgow 19 14 0 5 67
2 Ulster 19 14 1 4 66
3 Leinster 19 14 0 5 64
4 Ospreys 19 13 1 5 58
5 Scarlets 19 13 0 6 58
6 Munster 19 10 1 8 47

Remaining fixtures;
Ulster; Dragons (H), Connacht (A), Blues (H)
Leinster; Munster (A), Zebre (A), Ospreys (H)
Ospreys; Treviso (H), Glasgow (A), Leinster (A)
Scarlets; Glasgow (H), Blues (H), Treviso (H)
Glasgow; Scarlets (A), Ospreys (H), Connacht (A)
Munster; Leinster (H), Dragons (A), Zebre (A)






Blooming young folks today!!!

RubyGuby wrote:"If you could combine the Spreys forwards with the Scarlets backs, you'd have a hell of a team."


Very true perhaps they could call it Wales or something

What? And ignore all those Frenchies? Would never happen...

George Carlin wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:"If you could combine the Spreys forwards with the Scarlets backs, you'd have a hell of a team."


Very true perhaps they could call it Wales or something

What? And ignore all those Frenchies? Would never happen...

Cymru Equipe'

Ulster looking very good for a home QF now. We don't have to play any of the other play off contenders whilst Glasgow, Scarlets, Leinster and Ospreys are all duking it out with each other. I said before the Dragons game I thought we'd take 13 or 14 points from our last 3 games and we've got 5 of those already.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Ulster looking very good for a home QF now. We don't have to play any of the other play off contenders whilst Glasgow, Scarlets, Leinster and Ospreys are all duking it out with each other. I said before the Dragons game I thought we'd take 13 or 14 points from our last 3 games and we've got 5 of those already.

Agree I can see Leinster getting possibly 13 points as well (Munster -4, Zebre -5, Ospreys -4) but I think the win last night seals it for Ulster especially considering you have two easier games than we do and Glasgow slipped up last night.

2nd spot wide open now. but we will slam the door on it if we lose tonight.

After tonight, it will be all but confirmed officially. An Ulster v Leinster Grand Final at Lansdowne. And, we wont even have to leave Dubin to achieve an excellent League & Cup double.

Purfek.

Gibson wrote:After tonight, it will be all but confirmed officially. An Ulster v Leinster Grand Final at Lansdowne. And, we wont even have to leave Dubin to achieve an excellent League & Cup double.

Purfek.

What? How could the final be in Lansdowne?