Preview : Leinster vs Glasgow

Friday (19:45), Sky Sports 1

In recent years this would have been a top of the table clash between the Pro12’s premier sides, but with both squads heavily depleted due to the World Cup, tonight Leinster face Glasgow in what is very much a mid-table battle. Both sides are left with just two wins from their opening four matches, as they lie in sixth and seventh place respectively. However, that should not take away from what is always a high quality and closely fought affair between these two.

Leinster will admit themselves that they have endured a tough start to Leo Cullen’s first campaign as Leinster coach. Good home wins over the Dragons and Cardiff have been followed up by poor away losses to Edinburgh and the Scarlets. Shorn of a number of World Cup stars, the Leinster squad has been young and inexperienced, and that trend looks set to continue on Friday. Jack Conan returns at number 8 after recovering from a knock, while Rhys Ruddock returns from World Cup duty to start at 6. In the backs, Luke McGrath and Cathal Marsh continue their partnership at half back, while the impressive Gary Ringrose continues on the wing. Tadhg Furlong returns from the Rugby World cup and will start on the bench.

Glasgow too have been hampered by the loss of players to Scotlands world cup squad, but following their heart break at the hands of Australia last weekend a number of them return. Sean Lamont comes in at full back, while Duncan Weir returns to the 10 position. Ryan Wilson comes in at number 8, and Kevin Bryce and Rory Clegg are named on the bench and could feature.

It’s usually a close run affair between these two, and a look at the form book confirms this. Last time the two met they played out a pulsating 34-34 draw, and impartial onlookers will be looking for much the same outcome.

Last 3 meetings:

27/3/15 Leinster Rugby 34 - 34 Glasgow Warriors

6/9/14 Glasgow Warriors 22 - 20 Leinster Rugby

31/5/14 Leinster Rugby 34 - 12 Glasgow Warriors

Prediction: Glasgow by 3.