Yes, congratulations to Glasgow. They've put in some good work over there the past few seasons and they thoroughly deserved this win. No other team in the league was able to match their consistency this season. As Borders said the next step for them is to get into the knockout stages in Europe and win a game or two.

Congrats to Glasgow. Its disappointing how poorly Munster played on Paul O'Connell's send off but Glasgow were deserving champions this year. They have had to serve their apprenticeship with a few defeats in the play offs in recent years but this season they have looked the best side for most of the season.

Very well coached side, play good rugby and are starting to establish themselves as a real team to watch. Would be great for the Pro 12 if they continue to develop and start to make a dent in Europe. The Irish sides winning it every year doesn't help the league in the longer term.

Next stage in the road for them is to try and make a dent in Europe and the most important man in that task is Dan McFarland. They will need to improve up front if they want to compete at a higher level.

Munster undoubtedly missed Murray and O'Mahony today but to me there is a huge job of work ahead there to turn Munster into a team to be feared again. The tough draw in Europe could be used as an excuse for their failure in Europe but they were well off the pace and today highlights it further. Blydenhaal and Saili are good signings and there is some others to come back and a couple of decent prospects like O'Donoghue but in such an important game, there was a huge amount of average players starting for Munster.

Pro 12 Final Glasgow 31-13 Munster

Having finished the regular season on top of the pile, Glasgow confirmed that they were the best Pro 12 side in 2014/15 with a comfortable 31-13 victory over Munster in the final at Ravenhill. Tries from Rob Harley, departing winger DTH Van der Merwe and Henry Pyrgos put Glasgow comfortably in control at 21-3. An Andrew Smith try on the stroke of half time resurrected hopes that Munster could give Paul O'Connell an ideal send off and following early 2nd half pressure Ian Keatley moved Munster back to within 8. However, that was as close as they got and Finn Russell sealed the win with a try which he converted himself for a 13 point haul. A late Duncan Weir penalty added further gloss to the scoreboard as Glasgow claimed their first ever title and gave Scottish Rugby a much needed boost.

Big blow to Munster as Murry and O'Mahoney both ruled out of the final.

Semi-Finals Round Up

Glasgow and Munster secured their place in next Saturdays Pro 12 final after the importance of securing a home semi-final was demonstrated once again over the weekend. The drama of the final weekend of the regular season continued here with both games going down to the wire.

Ulster looked like they may be the first team to win an away semi-final in the Pro 12 as they led 14-9 late on at Scotstoun. An early Chris Henry try had shocked the out of sorts home side and it looked like Ulster may hang on for victory but DTH Van Der Merwe crossed for a try to level the game and Finn Russell's conversion edged the home side in front. Ulster didn't have time to recover and were left to rue the fact they hadn't taken full advantage of their first half chances.

Munster looked set for a relatively comfortable progression to the final when they led 16-3 following Denis Hurley's try early in the 2nd half. However, tries from Rhys Webb and Jeff Hassler either side of Munster's 3rd try from Paddy Butler made for a nervy finale. Dan Biggar brought Ospreys within 3. Ospreys looked to have snatched victory at the death when Josh Matavesi touched down but following consultation with the TMO, the try was disallowed for an earlier knock on and Munster had qualified for their first Pro 12 final since 2011.

Results
Glasgow 16-14 Ulster
Munster 21-18 Ospreys

Final
Glasgow v Munster @ Ravenhill - Saturday 30th May @ 18.30
In their earlier meetings this season Glasgow recorded a 21-18 victory over Munster in Scotstoun in December but Munster secured a bonus point win over the Scottish side in Cork at the end of February.

Week 22 Round Up

The Pro 12 regular season finished with Glasgow and Munster claiming the top 2 spots and the all important home semi-finals.

Glasgow benefited from Ulster's decision to rest most of their first choice team ahead of the following weekends semi-finals. Despite Ulster being short of full strength they did lead 10-6 at half time and it looked like Glasgow may be facing into an away semi-final but 4 2nd half tries including 2 from Finn Russell in a 22 point man of the match display earned them all 5 points and top spot.

Munster also secured a home semi-final with an 50-27 8 try win over Dragons. Munster had the bonus point secured inside 23 minutes against an inexperienced Dragons side and led 33-10 at the break. The 2nd half was more evenly balanced and the Dragons secured a 4 try bonus point of their own late on.

With Glasgow and Munster both securing maximum points, Ospreys needed 5 points from their trip to Connacht to maintain their top 2 position and looked in a strong position as they lead 24-0 at half time. Having secured 3 tries the 4th looked inevitable but a strong 2nd half display from Connacht held Ospreys scoreless and Connacht secured a losing bonus point with a try in the final play of the game.

Leinster ended a disappointing season on a high with a 36-23 win away at Edinburgh. Leading 22-13 shortly after half time, Leinster trailed 23-22 late on as Edinburgh looked to secure the Champions Cup play off spot but 2 late tries from Edinburgh secured all 5 points and another day out for Connacht in the play offs.

Both Treviso and Scarlets ended the day happy in Italy as Scarlets fought back from 13-3 down at half time to secure the win that copper-fastened 6th spot and their place in next season's European Champions Cup. Treviso's half time lead could have been healthier but Henry Seniloli's premature celebration of a try gave Scarlets the chance to get back and foil him. However, the bonus point for Treviso stretched their advantage over Zebre to 4 points meaning their Italian rivals needed a win at Cardiff to secure European Champions Cup Rugby for 2015/16.

Zebre were unable to get the result they needed as Cardiff ended a forgettable season on a high with a 5 try to 1, 29-5 win over the Italians. Two tries from Alex Cuthbert saw Cardiff secure their first win since March 6th.

Round 22 Results
Glasgow 32-10 Ulster
Munster 50-27 Dragons
Connacht 20-24 Ospreys
Edinburgh 23-36 Leinster
Cardiff Blues 29-5 Zebre
Treviso 13-17 Scarlets

Table after Round 22
Glasgow 75
Munster 75
Ospreys 74
Ulster 69
Leinster 62
Scarlets 57
Connacht 50
Edinburgh 48
Dragons 42
Cardiff 35
Treviso 19
Zebre 15

Fair play to Munster, at least there is one Irish team in the hunt for silverware this season

Ok think I've got my head around the permutations. An interesting sub-plot for our game though.

Munster at home to Dragons (probably should be a 5 pointer for Munster) 75
Glasgow at home to a very under-strength Ulster (may have the potential for a 5 pointer for Glasgow) 75
Ospreys (Currently 70, may need 5 to get the home semi)

If Munster and Glasgow both could get bonus points it'd really pile the pressure on Ospreys to get the 5 points. If they don't get 5 points in that scenario a win, a draw and a loss are effectively the same thing to them, they'd be away in the semi-final anyway.

Bottom line, if for example we are still in the game at say 60-65 minutes and Ospreys have only 1 or 2 tries, the pressure may well be on them to force the issue and get a bonus point. We can't give any gifts like we did against Ulster and Glasgow. If they have 3 tries by half time or 50 minutes, they don't have to force the issue as much and can wait for their opportunity.

Days like these have swings and twists and turns and are unlike every other round of the league. Momentum can swing very quickly.

A fast start for Munster and Glasgow would be very welcome tomorrow and even more importantly Treviso and Leinster. Not too much to ask for is it!

Week 21 Round Up

Heading into the final week of the regular season, Ospreys returned to the top of the table for the first time since Round 13. Having slipped out of the Top 4 in Round 15, Ospreys have found their form in the run in and have remained unbeaten since losing away to Glasgow on February 21st. A 21-10 victory over Glasgow Warriors in Round 21 saw them leapfrog the Scottish side into 1st place courtesy of a better scoring difference as both sides were level on games won. The first half was hard fought but low scoring and the sides went in level at 3-3. However, tries from Ben John and Rhys Webb secured the 4 points and a late Glasgow rally was unable to bring the scoreline back within 7 points which would have enabled them to maintain top spot.

Munster joined the top 2 on 70 points as they drew 23-23 away at Ulster. Munster are the only side not to lose at Ravenhill in the league this season but it could have been even better for them. Leading 9-0 on the stroke of half time, Ulster struck for a quick fire 10 points to edge ahead at the interval. Munster re-asserted control after the break and Keith Earls try late on looked to have secured a significant victory. However, Ulster down to 14 players following the sending off of Iain Henderson and with scrum half Paul Marshall on the wing showed great character to salvage a draw with a converted try at the death. The results leaves both sides needing favours from elsewhere to avoid an away semi-final.

Leinster secured European Champions Cup Rugby for 2015/16 with a 10-0 victory at home to Treviso. An early Jamie Heaslip try looked to have set Leinster on their way to an easy victory but looking to secure their own spot in Europe's top competition, Treviso have proved tough opponents in recent weeks and it wasn't until Jimmy Gopperth slotted a late penalty that Leinster secured the win.

Scarlets remain in pole position for the Top 6 spot they need for automatic European Champions Cup qualification with a 16-6 victory over Cardiff in their Welsh Derby. Leading 9-3 at half time, Rhys Patchell missed a chance to draw Cardiff level on 60 minutes and they paid the price as Ken Owens try sealed the all important win for the home side.

Connacht remain in contention for a Top 6 spot and are now in pole position for the play off spot after a 40-10 victory over Zebre. Scrum half John Cooney set Connacht on their way with two first half tries in a man of the match display despite only playing until shortly after half time. In total Connacht outscored their hosts 6 tries to 1 in a comfortable victory.

Edinburgh completed a disappointing week with a 19-5 defeat away at Dragons. The home side seeking revenge for their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to the same opposition on the 25th of April started well and led 9-0 at half time and a try from prop Hugh Gustafson helped secure the victory for the home side.

Round 21 Results
Dragons 19-5 Edinburgh
Leinster 10-0 Treviso
Ospreys 21-10 Glasgow
Ulster 23-23 Munster
Zebre 10-40 Connacht
Scarlets 16-6 Cardiff

Table after Round 21
Ospreys 70
Glasgow 70
Munster 70
Ulster 69
Leinster 57
Scarlets 53
Connacht 49
Edinburgh 48
Dragons 41
Cardiff 30
Treviso 18
Zebre 15

Round 22 Fixtures
Saturday 16th May Cardiff v Zebre
Zebre travel to Cardiff knowing they need to win to maintain a chance of overhauling Treviso for the Italian European Rugby Champions Cup spot for next season. Cardiff will finish 10th regardless of the result. Zebre won the corresponding match 30-25 in September 2013.

Saturday 16th May Connacht v Ospreys
Ospreys travel to Galway knowing they may need a 5 pointer to secure an all important home semi-final. Connacht go into the game needing a win to keep alive their hopes of a Top 6 finish. Ospreys won the corresponding game 43-26 in September 2013.

Saturday 16th May Edinburgh v Leinster
Leinster end a disappointing season needing points to secure a 3rd seeding for next season's Champions Cup. They come up against an Edinburgh side whose hopes of Top 6 are remote but who need a win to keep alive their hopes of securing a play off spot. Edinburgh won the corresponding game 11-6 in December 2013.

Saturday 16th May Glasgow v Ulster
Glasgow face Ulster knowing that they may need a bonus point win at home to secure an all important home semi-final. With their chances of a Top 2 finish contingent on other results, Ulster's focus may already be fixed on next weekend's potential away semi-final. Glasgow won the corresponding match 27-9 in April 2014.

Saturday 16th May Munster v Dragons
Munster face Dragons knowing they may need all 5 points to keep alive their hopes of a home semi-final. Even if Munster do manage all 5 points, they will still need Connacht or Ulster to deny their opponents all 5 points. Munster won the corresponding game 23-9 in September 2013

Saturday 16th May Treviso v Scarlets
Both sides in this game are on the verge of qualifying for Europe's top competition for next season and will look to secure the victory that would prevent them from having to rely on results elsewhere. Scarlets won the corresponding fixture 41-33 in February 2014.

pinky wrote: Full details:
www.pro12rugby.com/news/17320.php#qXOjHhQXJJOlGmfz.97

Poor old Zebre don't get a look-in.
There'll be plenty of BBC Wales and BBC Alba streaming around the Sportsground I suspect.

Looks like the guy who does the EPRC website is double-jobbing:

"Whatever the potential outcomes, Munster would be at home on the Saturday. If Ospreys are at home they will play on the Saturday other than if the other home team is Munster, then Ospreys will play on the Friday.
If Glasgow are at home they will play on the Friday.

If Ulster are at home, they will play on the Friday - however if both Glasgow and Ulster are at home, Glasgow stay on the Friday and Ulster play on Saturday."

or:

Glasgow have first call on Friday in they finish top 2, Munster have first call on Saturday. Ulster have second call on Friday. Ospreys will play whatever day isn't claimed by the other top 2 finisher.

Full details:
www.pro12rugby.com/news/17320.php#qXOjHhQXJJOlGmfz.97

Poor old Zebre don't get a look-in.
There'll be plenty of BBC Wales and BBC Alba streaming around the Sportsground I suspect.

Final day TV coverage.

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While this is our Most-Exiting-End-Of-Season-Ever, they put us on S4C in case we got ahead of ourselves

Edit: in better news Marius Mitrea is officiating.

Ger C wrote:

salmson wrote: Two representatives for Connacht in the Pro 12 team of the season:

www.pro12rugby.com/news/17304.php#f7A9P4kMebZiYhuA.97

I'm delighted to see Buckley deservedly named on this team, but Henshaw, like a lot of the team (Williams, Seymour, Best, Wyn-Jones, O'Donnell) started only half the games and maybe shouldn't be there.

Perhaps they gave credit for international performance ie the best players from the league rather than the best performers in the pro 12[/quote]

Would have presume O'Connell would have gotten into the team if that was was the case

salmson wrote: Two representatives for Connacht in the Pro 12 team of the season:

www.pro12rugby.com/news/17304.php#f7A9P4kMebZiYhuA.97

I'm delighted to see Buckley deservedly named on this team, but Henshaw, like a lot of the team (Williams, Seymour, Best, Wyn-Jones, O'Donnell) started only half the games and maybe shouldn't be there.

Perhaps they gave credit for international performance ie the best players from the league rather than the best performers in the pro 12

Two representatives for Connacht in the Pro 12 team of the season:

www.pro12rugby.com/news/17304.php#f7A9P4kMebZiYhuA.97

I'm delighted to see Buckley deservedly named on this team, but Henshaw, like a lot of the team (Williams, Seymour, Best, Wyn-Jones, O'Donnell) started only half the games and maybe shouldn't be there.

wp_rathead wrote:

b.gud (from Boards.ie) wrote: So now that all the results are in here's what needs to happen for Connacht to finish 6th

A BP win for Connacht next weekend and any loss for Scarlets would mean connacht would get 6th based on games won. A non BP win for Connacht would mean that we would need Scarlets to lose without picking up a BP. In this situation Edinburgh could technically still pip us to 6th but they would need a BP win against Leinster plus have to win by 39 points plus 1 point more than Connachts winning margin.

A win or a draw for Scarlets next weekend would be enough to ensure that the best Connacht could do is 7th. If that was the case connacht could pick up 7th place without getting any points at all, if Edinburgh lose next weekend then all Connacht would need is to lose the game by around less than 40 points and they would be guaranteed 7th. If Edinburgh were to draw then connacht would need a losing BP from next weekend. If Edinburgh were to win then connacht would also need a win.

fingers crossed for a Treviso 8-0 win next week so

Hard to see but wouldn't rule it out completely. Zebre are away to Cardiff who are playing poorly and will in all likelihood not be too pushed. Therefore Treviso can't take any chances and have to try and get a result at home to Scarlets. Scarlets have been awful away from home and haven't impressed me much in the last few weeks. Cardiff should have levelled it at 9-9 after 60 minutes and had the momentum at that stage. That missed kick killed Cardiff.

My main concern for next week really is that we stay ahead of Edinburgh. If by a couple of surprise results we edge ahead of Scarlets, so much the better but its great to have something to look forward to on the final day. Every game has some relevance on the final day which is great for the league.