TIME AND TIME again the pros will tell you that the only way to get over a harrowing defeat is to go and get it out of your system the following week.
Well, the bad news is that Ireland as a squad will have to contemplate the ‘what ifs’ for another two months, but many of the individuals involved can pull on their provincial jersey and imagining Aaron Cruden or Ryan Crotty’s face on a Pro12 opponent’s body.
So, a week after the Pro12 returned from it’s half-term break in the shadow of one of Ireland’s finest ever performances, here’s why we’re stoked that it’s properly back tonight.
Connacht take search for second league win to Edinburgh
Pat Lam's side are five points shy of the Scottish side and rest bottom of the Pro12 on seven points. Tonight presents a very winnable fixture and the visitors will hope their back three of Matt Healy, Fionn Carr and Robbie Henshaw can make the difference in Murrayfield.
Image credit: @MartinJoycey
It's Ospreys v Glasgow
Forgive us for being a little smug, but the best two teams outside of Ireland face off in Swansea tonight. So, if you can find a way to watch BBC Wales, tune in for what promises to be a doozy at 19.05.
There's bound to be an Italian phrasebook lying around the Ulster dressing room this weather. Tomorrow (14.00 on RTE 2) marks the first of four straight games against sides from the sixth nation as Pro12 meetings with Zebre will bookend the Heineken Cup double header against Treviso.
Jared Payne hasn't been risked for tomorrow night, but can they come away with four wins?
After an impressive final quarter against New Zealand, Leinster coach Matt O'Connor will surely look make the most of having a fit and firing Luke Fitzgerald at his disposal when the reigning champions host Scarlets tomorrow (19.15 on TG4).
We'll have full team news over on TheScore.ie in just a few minutes, but Fitzgerald will feature on the left wing with Ian Madigan and Gordon D'Arcy starting in their best positions.
We'll see what Gerhard van den Heever has picked up from Keith Earls
The South African wing will make his Munster debut tonight.
Eight reasons we can't wait to watch Pro12 rugby again
TIME AND TIME again the pros will tell you that the only way to get over a harrowing defeat is to go and get it out of your system the following week.
Well, the bad news is that Ireland as a squad will have to contemplate the ‘what ifs’ for another two months, but many of the individuals involved can pull on their provincial jersey and imagining Aaron Cruden or Ryan Crotty’s face on a Pro12 opponent’s body.
So, a week after the Pro12 returned from it’s half-term break in the shadow of one of Ireland’s finest ever performances, here’s why we’re stoked that it’s properly back tonight.
Paul O’Connell in red!
Treat yourselves to a rare treat, Munster fans. Tonight Paul O’Connell will start for his province for only the second time this season against the Dragons. It’s not on TV, but we’ll bring you a half-time update to keep you going.
©INPHO/James Crombie
Commitment, maybe just not this much commitment
Rory Best, you absolute hero.
YouTube credit: RTÉ Sport
Connacht take search for second league win to Edinburgh
Pat Lam's side are five points shy of the Scottish side and rest bottom of the Pro12 on seven points. Tonight presents a very winnable fixture and the visitors will hope their back three of Matt Healy, Fionn Carr and Robbie Henshaw can make the difference in Murrayfield.
It's Ospreys v Glasgow
Forgive us for being a little smug, but the best two teams outside of Ireland face off in Swansea tonight. So, if you can find a way to watch BBC Wales, tune in for what promises to be a doozy at 19.05.
Ulster's Italian Job (part one of four)
There's bound to be an Italian phrasebook lying around the Ulster dressing room this weather. Tomorrow (14.00 on RTE 2) marks the first of four straight games against sides from the sixth nation as Pro12 meetings with Zebre will bookend the Heineken Cup double header against Treviso.
Jared Payne hasn't been risked for tomorrow night, but can they come away with four wins?
We'll see more of this man
After an impressive final quarter against New Zealand, Leinster coach Matt O'Connor will surely look make the most of having a fit and firing Luke Fitzgerald at his disposal when the reigning champions host Scarlets tomorrow (19.15 on TG4).
We'll have full team news over on TheScore.ie in just a few minutes, but Fitzgerald will feature on the left wing with Ian Madigan and Gordon D'Arcy starting in their best positions.
We'll see what Gerhard van den Heever has picked up from Keith Earls
The South African wing will make his Munster debut tonight.
Formguide
Most importantly, this weekend will give us a pointer as to which clubs look best equipped to bounce back from the November internationals and into the forthcoming pivotal Heineken Cup fortnight.
©INPHO/James Crombie
Robbie Henshaw’s return a boost for Connacht
Pro12 team news: Paulie back for Munster’s game against the Dragons
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bread and butter Guinness PRO12 Connacht Leinster Munster Pro12 Provincial Ulster