The Rainbow Cup will enter a virtual knock-out phase this weekend as surprise leaders Benetton Treviso try desperately to hold onto their lead ahead of a chasing pack.
There are several big clashes that will see teams look to give themselves a chance of making the final on 19 June, but it all hinges on the Italians holding their nerve or giving into the pressure that now follows them.
Benetton Treviso have been buoyed by the news that the final will take place at their home stadium and will hope to continue their winning streak for coach Kieran Crowley, who will be leaving to take over Italy in a few months’ time.
The Italians are four points clear at the top of the table after winning their opening three games - two against Zebre, but could find the going a lot tougher when they visit Connacht this weekend.
Connacht will head into the game knowing they still have a chance and buoyed after their shock win over Munster a fortnight ago, and know they have won the last seven meetings between the two sides.
That game will be a major focus for the chasing sides, of which Munster is one and with just two games left, this weekend’s games effectively become knockout matches. Munster’s forwards coach Graham Rowntree said as much this week when talking up his side’s chances against the Cardiff Blues - a must win game for both sides.
“I said from the outset that we want to win this tournament, we took it very seriously,” Rowntree laid down the law this week.
“I think our selections have reflected that as well, and certainly our performances up until the disappointment against Connacht, and that last third of the game in particular. But we are taking it very seriously.”
The Blues are a point behind Munster after narrow 17-16 and 29-28 wins against the Dragons and Scarlets respectively, making the game a knock-out.
“Very much so,” agreed Rowntree. “That’s it, literally; it’s a knock-out game.
“We’ve played against them twice this year, they’re a good team. Dai (Young) has made a change there going in. They’re a physical team, good defensively, good in the breakdown, massive attacking threat as well, a running ‘10’ and running ‘9’ threat.” “We’ll have our hands full, which is exactly what we need. We’re ready for it. We’ve certainly trained with this in mind and our preparation has gone really well.”
The Munster-Blues game is the only match scheduled for Friday night while Saturday sees Ulster take on Scarlets and Benetton face Connacht while the Dragons host Glasgow Warriors.
Ulster are on their worst league run since 2017 but their four straight defeats have included recent losses to Leinster and Munster, who contested the PRO14 Final in March. They have won their last four meetings against Saturday’s opposition and will have 500 fans in attendance. Scarlets would have been frustrated not to build on their derby delight against the Ospreys when they suffered a 29-28 reverse at home to Cardiff and have only tasted victory once on the road in 2021.
Dragons winger Jonah Holmes is experiencing some fine form with four tries thus far in the Rainbow Cup and will hopefully inspire his teammates.
Away from their Rodney Parade home for this match, the omens are not positive for the Newport-based club with defeats on the four previous occasions they have played at the Cardiff City Stadium. Glasgow Warriors have recovered well from an opening round loss to Benetton and could finish in first place if results were to go their way this weekend. Yet they have not won three consecutive games in the championship since February
2020.
Rainbow Cup Round 4 matches
Friday
Munster vs Cardiff Blues (20.35)
Saturday
Ulster vs Scarletts (16.00)
Benetton vs Connacht (18.15)
Dragons vs Glasgow Warriors (20.35)