The top sides solidified their standings as the international contingents began to work their way back into domestic competition. There were no major surprises in Round 10 for the PRO14, as the contenders and pretenders begin to take their sides in the room. Matches over the weekend offered lopsided results or nail-biter contests, with little in between. For the losers, perhaps the scores being either narrow outcomes or embarrassments will inspire for next weekend’s European rugby action. Meanwhile, the weekend’s victors will hope to carry that good form into the next two weeks of games against fresh competition.

The Blow Outs

Munster continued their winning ways with a 44-14 win over Edinburgh. If this run continues, the Red Army will keep the pressure on the Glasgow Warriors, who otherwise sit comfortably atop Conference A. They’ll have to bide their time, however, as the PRO14 breaks for the continental competitions. Edinburgh’s frustrating season continues, meanwhile. They sit just 4-6-0 on the season, with the likes of Benetton standing above them. The Scots won’t be able to rectify the situation until December 22, when they return to PRO14 with a matchup against top dogs Glasgow. In the meantime, they play the bottom of the Premiership next week against the Newcastle Falcons.

The Ospreys had themselves quite a weekend at home with a 43-0 beatdown of Zebre. Alun Wyn Jones set a new record for regional appearances at 233, Luke Morgan earned a hat trick, and the bonus point, obviously, was secured with room to spare. The Welsh side plays Stade Francais Paris next week in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and should be going into Saturday feeling confident and energized as they close in on third place for the PRO14 Conference A standings. Zebre has been at the wrong end of two beatdowns and something needs to give. They play the Russian Enisei-STM squad next week in the Challenge Cup and with any luck can stop the rout with a nice, if rather “meh” win over an overmatched opponent.

Even the most ardent contrarian probably had doubts that the Dragons stood much of chance against Leinster. But a 10-59 home loss still stings no matter how much the odds are stacked against you. Ironically, the Dragons are still more successful now than they were all last year, with three wins currently as compared to their 2017-2018 grand total of two.

Their starting lineup has 14 internationally capped Welsh player and indeed some of these capped players are current internationals including Elliot Dee, Cory Hill, and Ross Moriarty for a Wales side very much on the rise. At the end of the day, barring a draw, someone has to lose. But on paper, at least, it shouldn’t always have to be the Dragons. The Newport side will play Northampton next week, and as their captain Richard Hibbard succinctly pointed out, they will need some “heart and pride,” or it’s going to be another disappointment.

Leinster had a chance to rest some of their top talent so the only change they will have to make against Bath next week will be to bring the starters back and everything else will probably fall into place.

The Close Ones

Ulster used the boot of John Cooney to win a narrow one over the Cardiff Blues, 16-12. Cooney scored 11 points with his foot, while lock Kieran Treadwell scored the Ulstermen’s only try. Cardiff will likely be kicking themselves, especially since they lead 12-10 at the half, but at least they got the bonus point in the defeat.

Glasgow might have put itself into quite a bind not even 20 minutes into the game when Alex Allan was given a red card for a dangerous tackle. Yet, they managed to score a try in each half. Despite the setback, Glasgow continued to pour it on the Scarlets and even won four scrum penalties despite only using seven forwards. Oli Kebble, taking Allan’s position at loose-head prop, had a notable performance.

In that vein of thought, Benetton bested the Kings 19-22 to go 1-1 in South Africa and did it with 15 of their top players not cycled back into the roster after their international call-ups. This puts the Italian side squarely in the middle of Conference B. They need to figure out a way to beat the stronger teams more consistently, but getting wins over the weaker ones is always essential. Benetton takes on the Harlequins next week.

Connacht finished up their South African tour with two wins and a bonus point (against the Kings) after edging the Cheetahs 21-17. This is the first time in 20 months that Connacht has had three wins in a row. Home field advantage hasn’t seemed to matter much for the South African teams, especially the Cheetahs, who want to burn their opponents out with a fast game in the hot Southern hemisphere. But for any complaints of their opponents stalling, with just three wins between the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, the fault might be their own.