By James Dodd
Over the next couple of weeks, the Blues, Ospreys, Dragons and Scarlets will all play each other across the festive period. With the conclusion of the 4th round of the European Champions and Challenge Cup last week, the return of several internationals and the historic intensity these matches have, we are set to have an enthralling six matches. Here Tee & Eggs previews Ospreys v Blues and Dragons v Scarlets, as well as giving our predictions on the matches.
Dragons v Scarlets – Saturday 21st December, 17:15 – Rodney Parade
After securing the bragging rights in the last league match between the sides, the Dragons will be hoping to back up that 34-32 thriller at the Principality Stadium when the sides meet in Newport. The home side also got the best of the side from West Wales when they met in a preseason game in September.
The return of Ross Moriarty and Taine Basham will certainly see the back-row strengthened. With the likes of other internationals like Cory Hill, Elliot Dee and Leon Brown; there is definitely experience in the forwards.
However, the Scarlets have also brought in some big names for this clash. Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny McNicholl, Gareth Davies and Wyn Jones all start, as well as Ken Owens and Hadleigh Parkes, who both make an appearance for the region since the world cup in Japan.
The Dragons currently sit 5th in conference A, six points behind Glasgow Warriors and two points ahead of Ospreys. Despite their last home league game being a 39-12 drubbing to Zebre, they can take some confidence in their double header against Worcester Warriors, which saw one win each.
The Llanelli Scarlets have only lost two matches in the Guinness Pro14 this year and sit 4th in conference B, five points behind leaders Munster. Two wins against Bayonne have definitely put them in good stead, and they will feel their experience and quality back line will take them over the line.
Predictions –
James – Scarlets by 5 Jack – Scarlets by 20 Dylan – Scarlets by 12 Ben – Scarlets by 14
Ospreys v Blues – Saturday 21st December, 19:35 – Liberty Stadium
The Ospreys have had an absolutely dreadful start to the season, with the Swansea side winning just one game out of their opening 11. The Blues’ record away at the Liberty Stadium can be described as exactly the same.
The capital region’s last victory there came in 2005, with their last win at all being in Judgement Day 2017. The Ospreys have clearly been the dominant side in recent years.
With Josh Adams making his debut in the league, he is joined by threatening Welsh stars Owen Lane and Tomos Williams in the backs. In total, Cardiff have made two changes, these being Brad Thyer and James Ratti.
The Ospreys start international Justin Tipuric for the first time in the 2019/20 season, and bring other internationals Scott Williams, Aled Davies and former Blues player Bradley Davies.
With both sides not looking too pretty in their respective conference – Ospreys sit 6th in conference A and Blues sit 5th in conference B – there is a huge opportunity to start climbing the table.
However, with the attacking threat the Blues hold as well as the momentum they have created in the last month, you would struggle to bet against them if their pack goes well and doesn’t succumb to the Ospreys in the scrum.
Predictions –
James: Blues by 3 Jack: Blues by 7 Dylan: Blues by 10 Ben: Blues by 6
Tee & Eggs 
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