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Inter-pro

9 reasons to get excited about this weekend’s Pro12 action

Inter-pro time, Zebo and Gilroy are back, Gopperth at 10 and Clarke’s debut.

1. Inter-provincial rivalry

You know that summer of togetherness we just enjoyed. Yeah, you remember: Leinster fans stopped bad-mouthing Keith Earls, Munster fans admitted they might not be the most successful side in Ireland anymore and… oh, it was all just a beautiful dream I had.

Anyways, at least the voices of passion can at least have some rugby to discuss after Saturday night’s opening inter-pro of the season. Connacht, Ulster: touch gloves, let’s have a good clean fight.

image©INPHO/James Crombie

2. The Italian Job

It’s gonna be like that bit with the bus teetering over the edge of a cliff, only better.

Yes, Munster’s long week chilling out by the shores of Lake Garda will end with a crunch revenge match in Treviso.

Rob Penney’s men suffered a 34 – 10 hammering at this venue last season and it appears as though focusing on this rematch is a happy little upshot of their post-preseason camp in Italy.

image©INPHO/Giuseppe Fama

Currently sitting pretty atop the table with 10 points from 10, arriving back in Limerick/Cork with 14 would make it an absolutely superb start to the season.

3. Simon Zebo is back!

That means more supreme finishes, like this.

YouTube credit: YouTube credit: Tap Tackle

And magic like this.

YouTube credit: TopMarqueSports

4. Serious business

With the Heineken Cup closing in fast, every side is attempting to install and warm up the final jigsaw pieces in good time.

Munster have the good captain, Peter O’Mahony and Keith Earls ready to go. The Dragons welcome Toby Faletau back in time to face Scarlets. While Leinster have Cian Healy and Rob Kearney itching to get off the bench.

image©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

5. Warriors’ winning habit

When Leinster pitch up in Scotstoun tonight, the hosts will surely take a lot of confidence from the manner they squeaked away with two wins in their opening games despite struggling for long portions.

Against Ulster last Friday, they overturned a six-point gap at the death to upset Ravenhill. A week before, they were deadlocked at 15 points apiece against Cardiff on 68 minutes when Tommy Seymour broke in midfield to claim the crucial seven-pointer.

YouTube credit: RaboDirect PRO12

6. Leinster trust Gopperth on the road again

Now that Matt O’Connor has a choice, it’s interesting to see him select Jimmy Gopperth for this tough away trip. Leinster fans are crying out for their blue-eyed boy to be handed the reins full time.

With Gopperth in this form, however, O’Connor’s hands are tied.

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©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

7. Clarke gets going at Connacht

The best signing of the summer? It’s time to find out, as Craig Clarke gets his first start for Connacht in tomorrow night’s inter-pro against Ulster. The Kiwi lock arrived in Ireland with a glowing reputation, having led the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles.

Connacht lacked edge and accuracy up front in the second half of last weekend’s loss in Cardiff, and Pat Lam will be hoping Clarke is the answer. The 30-year-old is under pressure to perform, but his calm approach is perfect for this situation.

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©INPHO/James Crombie

8. Robbie Henshaw vs. Darren Cave

A battle at outside centre between the up-and-coming star and one whose chance in the green of Ireland may have passed. Henshaw appears set for a season at 13 for Connacht, with many viewing his long-term future in that position. Brian O’Driscoll’s eventual successor? Maybe.

Cave was recently left out of Joe Schmidt’s 42-man international squad, suggesting he won’t be adding to his five caps any time soon. At 26, Cave still has time to work himself back into the picture and a dominant display against Henshaw would help.

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©INPHO/James Crombie

9. Can Craig Gilroy start with a bang?

He’s back, even if it is only on the bench. We may get the chance to see the thrilling winger in action for the first time since he picked up a groin injury in April. Before that, his lightning-fast footwork and searing pace had been quickening pulses everywhere.

It’s a crucial season for the 22-year-old in a highly competitive position for Ulster. With Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Michael Allen and David McIlwaine all pushing for a starting role out wide, Gilroy will be eager to show Mark Anscombe exactly what he’s been missing.

Simon Zebo returns for Munster, Clarke gets first start for Connacht

‘We’ve been waiting for this battle for the last 17 years’: IRFU chief on Heineken Cup

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