Weekend Watch: Pro14, Prem Rugby & Top14

An exciting weekend of European domestic rugby kicks off tonight with the showpiece of the lot coming from Belfast as Ulster host Pro14 reigning champions at the Kingspan Stadium (7:35pm). Pro14 rugby enters the Southern Hemisphere for the first time as Zebre & Leinster face the challenge of being the first teams to play in South Africa.

First up, Toyota Cheetahs welcome the Parma-based Italian outfit Zebre in Bloemfontein and Deon Davids' Southern Kings entertain Irish giants Leinster in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Champions Cup holders Saracens face Newcastle Falcons at the Talen Energy Stadium in Philadelphia, USA in an attempt to expand and improve the game of rugby on the other side of the Atlantic.

A recent report from 'The Independent' revealed plans for US teams to be brought into the Anglo-Welsh Cup in the next few years as part of global expansion plans, with talks said to have already taken place to follow in the footsteps of the the Pro14's example and welcoming foreign club's into the current set-up.

Players to Watch

Pro14: Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) - The promising 20-year old full-back has exploded onto the European rugby scene after two rounds of Pro14 action. Kinghorn scored in the opening-night win at Cardiff (A) and lit up Myreside last weekend with a man-of-the-match performance for new head coach Richard Cockerill.

Many observers are tipping him for a possible first senior cap in this year's Autumn Test series. The Edinburgh Academical welcomes Treviso to Edinburgh on Friday night and we expect Kinghorn to continue his rapid progression in the Black & Red.

Premiership: Marcus Smith (Harlequins) - The Quins fly-half faces a tough test as he is set to start against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena, Dai Young's side have won their last 20 Premiership games at the Coventry-venue.

Smith replaced the South-African Catrakilis against Gloucester after 12 minutes and kicked 10 points to help steer his side to a 28-17 victory. Sunday's heavyweight clash against last year's finalists will see the exciting talent test himself against Danny Cipriani.

Top14: Chris Ashton (Toulon) - The 39-times capped England wing opened up his account for the French giants in the first round of action, scoring twice against Pau before touching down against Clermont in R2. Ashton travels to the Altrad Stadium on Sunday to face table toppers Montpellier.

It will be intriguing to see how the top try scorer in European Champions Cup history fares against the powerful Fijian, Nemani Nadolo, oh his opposite wing.

Games of the Weekend

Pro14: The game of the weekend from the Pro14 sees Scarlets travel to Belfast in a mouthwatering encounter. Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac welcomes back his British & Irish Lions duo Ken Owens & Jonathan Davies for the clash, while Leigh Halfpenny has recovered in time to start at full-back for the reigning champions.

Ulster's new half-back pairing of John Cooney & Christian Leali'ifano have combined with promise over the course of the opening two rounds. The loss of Marcell Coetzee and Jean Deysel will significantly weaken the Ulster pack, as Academy back-rower Matthew Rea deputises for the former Munsterman.

The home side opened up favourites with the book-makers but the Welsh side now sit comfortable 2-point favourites as they look to continue their impressive winning streak in the tournament.

Premiership: Jim Mallinder's Northampton Saints host Bath under the lights at Franklin's Gardens on Friday night.

Saints' opening day defeat to Saracens left many fans fearing the worst for the club this season following the departure of Louis Picamoles and the uncertainty surrounding the future of their coaching staff. Bath continued their encouraging start to the season with a victory over Sarries at the Rec last weekend. 

Saints were hugely improved in victory over Leicester last weekend and if they can channel that same aggression once more this will be a mammoth encounter.

Top14: Vern Cotter's 'Galaticos' welcome Toulon to the Altrad on Sunday in arguably the European game of the weekend. Montpellier currently sit at the summit of the Top14 after three league wins (2 BP's) including a massive away victory to Castres last weekend.

Toulon have won twice at home and lost once away to Clermont in the Stade Marcel-Michelin in R2. A star-studded Toulon outfit will offer Montpellier their toughest task to date. This game is certainly not to be missed.

Potential Upset?

Newcastle v Saracens - The trip Stateside has many advantages for the growth of Premiership Rugby and the overall profile of the game in America. However, the media demands and travel could take it's toll on the European champions in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Newcastle have shown in recent times that they are genuine top-six contenders and will look to catch Saracens off-guard in this almost exhibition-like encounter.

Bets of the Weekend

1. Scarlets to beat Ulster (8/11) - The Pro12 holders continue to improve with each week in passing. The absence of Coetzee & Deysel along with British & Irish Lion Iain Henderson will give the Scarlets pack an advantage up-front which they will use to build a solid foundation to provide their dangerous back-line with front foot ball.

2. Clermont (-19) v Brive (Evens) - Les Jaunards will be hurting after last weekend's mauling at the hands of La Rochelle. The game was dead and buried at half-time as indiscipline cost the Top 14 holders dearly in the first-half. The return of Morgan Parra will lift spirits in camp and Clermont will be eager to record a bonus-point victory to get themselves back into contention.

3. Connacht to win v Dragons (6/5) - Bernard Jackman's side would extend their losing streak to 12 games if Connacht come away from Rodney Park with a victory. Kieran Keane managed to secure his first Pro14 win last weekend against the Southern Kings at the Sportsground and has made several changes to his side for the Dragons encounter but his side are more physical than their opponents and it is difficult to rule out Tiernan O' Halloran from making the difference in the Connacht back field.