Leinster go into this match as unbackable favourites; 1/9 with Paddy Power and a 13-point handicap. When you examine the form book, it’s not hard to see why. Leinster secured top spot in the league with two games to go but haven’t taken their foot off the pedal, with away wins in Belfast and Newport copperfastening their right to home advantage in the semi-final (and in the final, should they qualify).
However, Glasgow have the distinction of being one of only two sides to beat Leinster all season, edging a win over a second-string Leinster outfit on a scoreline of 19-23 at the RDS in September. Since then, however, Leinster have lost only once in 25 games and have regained the upper hand over Glasgow, securing a brace of wins in the Heineken Cup pool stages and a draw in the return league fixture at Firhill.
So, as the sides prepare to meet for the fifth time this season,http://secure.signup-way.com/8407/21000/rugby_tv the question arises, how can Glasgow target Leinster and overturn the odds? Looking at their teamsheet, the names that jump out point to one game-plan; big, mobile ball carriers taking on the Leinster defence close in and trying to punch holes. Graeme Morrison will be used to target the backline, but Glasgow’s real stars are in the pack; Richie Gray is fast becoming the best second-row in the Northern Hemisphere and his partner, Al Kellock is no slouch either. John Barclay has not really reached the heights of two seasons ago but is still a quality operator.
Behind the scrum, Glasgow may struggle to find the flair required and the loss of Rory Lamont through injury was a further blow in this department.http://secure.signup-way.com/8407/21000/rugby_tv Cusiter and Weir are solid and reliable, but while Cusiter is quick and will look for a break, it’s difficult to see too much flair coming from the half-back axis.http://secure.signup-way.com/8407/21000/rugby_tv Increasingly, Glasgow have relied on their rising star, Stuart Hogg,http://secure.signup-way.com/8407/21000/rugby_tv to provide the flair required to penetrate opposing defences. After a Six Nations which saw him announce himself on the international stage, he gave further evidence of his potential with a hat-trick against Munster in Musgrave Park.http://secure.signup-way.com/8407/21000/rugby_tv
Shedule
Theme : Leinster v Glasgow
Date : 12.5.2012
