Start of the Magners League

Well the new season of Irish Rugby is upon us.

The Irish teams have been quite successful in the pre-season with Leinster and Munster have clean sweep of victories in the warm ups. Both having strong convincing victories against decent sides, Queensland Reds and USA Eagles respectively. Connacht and Ulster have had mixed results in the reason but some strong performances.

So what can we take from the pre-season and new signings? The word at the start of the season is 'optimism' and some of the teams have reason for it, but they all can't win everything.

Leinster - After finally finding consistency last season, the forward pack dominated the season. They've added quality signings across the pitch however even though they played better and more consistently last year I have my doubts for a strong start. Last season Leinster looked awful at the start. Only Isa Nacewa of the new signings will be there for the first few games. Their second row is still week and Glesson and Ollie Le Roux are gone. So I think they could be slow starters, and certainly would be luck to get a win away to Cardiff. They won their in their second game last season, but it was completely against play and flukey.

Munster - New manager, few signings but still Munster. I think it will be interesting season as to be honest I think they played some weaker teams than the Munster possy would have you believe in the H-Cup. Generally quite slow to start I think Andy Robinsons Edinburgh team will certain push them.

Connacht - These guys will be interesting this season. I really think it could be a break through. Always competitve but missing a killer instinct. The signing and recent performances of young Leinster and Munster players could make their season especially Ian Keatley who could be the next big thing. They've got a opening game at home against Ospreys, however they haven't lost at home in their first game in the Magners leauge season in few seasons. Just really depends which Ospreys team shows up. This season I expect Connacht to win 75% of their home games even taking at least one provincial scalp with them. Considering the odds the other teams will be against them I'd be laying all opposition at the Sportsground this year. There are going to be a few shocks.

Ulster - Well how are these going to do. Come back to me after 3 games. Cleared out a lot of players brought some quality in. I love Matt and he will be great at building up some spirit and clearing out the divide that may have existed in the dressing room last year. I just feel they are lacking a few quality try scorers which will mean away from home they are fooked.

I'll be sticking up bets for this weekends games once the prices are up. What I'm thinking

I will be putting up prices for Connacht game, anything close to 2.5 is good value.

Munster great trading opp in their game, lay at 1.6 to trade out at 2.8 all green.

Leinster no bet probably, if they are shorter than 1.8 definately a lay.

Ulster, have to see the teams.

Good articles to read - http://betting.betfair.com/ie/rugby/irish-rugby-betting-the-four-provinces-update-310808.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2008/0903/1220372026258.html