Conor Knight checks up on the current state of the Pro12 Welsh rugby teams as they prepare to battle it out.
Judgement Day is coming. Void of the religious nuances but just as big, it’s the day Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons and Scarlets battle it out at the home of rugby: the Principality Stadium.
Ospreys will be hoping to continue their run of form in the yearly fixture, with three wins out of three so far at the Principality Stadium. Having already beaten Cardiff Blues in November, and recording two victories against them in Judgement Day, Ospreys will feel confident for the fixture. However, there will be concerns for Alun Wyn Jones, though with Rhys Webb returning from injury and another series of impressive performances from Dan Biggar, Ospreys will be hoping their form at the Principality continues.
Despite Cardiff Blues’ record against Ospreys in this fixture, they can gain confidence with the fact they are level on points with their opponents as they both sit in the bottom half of the Pro12 table. With a wealth of experience to draw on within their ranks, from Wales captain Sam Warburton to Gethin Jenkins, past results will mean to nothing to them as they step out onto the turf.
Yet to win a Judgement Day match, Newport Gwent Dragons came closest in their inaugural appearance, losing 28-20 to Scarlets. Welsh international players Taulupe Faletau and hot prospect Hallam Amos will aid their search for supremacy as they return to the Principality following the Six Nations. Though the Dragons’ campaign has not been the most successful, winning only four games from seventeen, the wonder of the Principality could incite a passionate revival that could boost an otherwise disappointing season.
Favourites for their afternoon clash again the Dragons, it is the Scarlets who will enter Judgement Day feeling confident; they sit third in the Pro12 with an impressive fifty-three points haul from twelve victories. Boasting a powerful Welsh attack of Liam Williams, joint third top try scorer Gareth Davies and potentially Scott Williams, depending on his recovery from injury, the Scarlets assault could prove too much for the Dragons defence.
Judgement Day IV, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 30th Apr. Tickets: £10.
Info: 02920 822432 / www.wru.co.uk