The first of this weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-finals pits Welsh outfit the Scarlets up against URC rivals the Glasgow Warriors. The two sides have already met once this season with the Warriors edging a tightly contested fixture 12-9 at the Scotstoun, just a fortnight ago.
Saturday 29 April
Scarlets 29/20 | Draw 20/1 | Glasgow 11/20
The hosts for Saturday’s encounter were mightily impressive in the quarter-finals of the competition as they beat French heavyweights Clermont 32-30 in a pulsating match. While Clermont haven’t been at their best this term, it was still an impressive scalp to claim as they are a side loaded with talent.
The Scarlets also faced French opposition in the Round of 16 albeit a far less intimidating opponent in the form of Top 14 strugglers Brive. The Welsh outfit had no problems overcoming Brive and while they didn’t exactly run away with the game, they did manage a comfortable 19-7 victory.
Glasgow made lighter work of their Challenge Cup play-off opponents as they hammered Welsh outfit the Dragons 73-33 in the Round of 16 and then registered a 31-21 win over South African side the Lions in the quarter finals.
Glasgow have also enjoyed some solid form on the URC front and followed up their three-point victory over the Scarlets with a 29-27 wn over Connacht.
Both sides are loaded with experienced internationals and I reckon this one will be a low-scoring but high intensity affair. I can see the hosts edging it by three points or less.
Scarlets at 29/20.
