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Welcome to Round 14 of the Guinness PRO12 and it is a very exciting time in the
championship. Just 12 points separate tonight’s opponents, table toppers Ulster
(41 points) from eighth place Glasgow Warriors (29 points), and it is a crucial
time for all the teams as they push for the Play-Off zone as well as automatic
qualification places for Europe.
Add to the mix the drama of the RBS 6 Nations, that will feature over 70
Guinness PRO12 players this weekend, and it all amounts to a key time of year
for the unions, clubs, players and fans alike.
Ulster will be keen to maintain their momentum and will remain at the top of
the table with a win tonight. Glasgow pipped Ulster at the Play Off stage last
season, so tonight will also be very close here at Kingspan Stadium, yet expect
some good tries! Both teams will want to improve their standing in the Guinness
PRO12 table, so there’s a lot at stake this evening.
Every game counts in the Guinness PRO12 and all games are tight. The average
winning margin (the difference between points scored and conceded in a
game) stands at 9.66 and 56 percent of the games played to date have resulted
in the losers finishing within seven points of the opposing teams and therefore
claiming a bonus point. This once again epitomises the strength, depth and
quality of the teams in the Guinness PRO12 championship.
It is great to see so many Guinness PRO12 players competing at international
level and very encouraging to see the younger players take their chance to
impress in the championship while their senior colleagues are away. The 12
clubs are to be commended as they continue to develop outstanding talent
who flourish in the Guinness PRO12.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the teams, players and
officials all the very best for their games this weekend.
Enjoy the game.