Munster and Benetton will put their 100 per cent records on the line this week as the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup prepares for an action-packed Round 3.
The Irish side and Italian challengers are the only two northern section teams with unbeaten records after two matches, opening a three-point gap on their closest rivals the Dragons.
Munster host Connacht at Thomond Park on Friday while Benetton are in derby mode again when they play at home to Zebre 24 hours later.
The competition's intensity is underlined by the fact that 10 of the 12 northern sides have won at least one game, with only Zebre and Ulster yet to get off the mark.
Dragons vs Ospreys – Match Preview
The Dragons have hit form recently, winning four games since the start of March, while they currently sit just three points behind Rainbow Cup northern pace-setters Munster and Benetton.
It promises to be a tight and tense encounter at Rodney Parade this weekend, though, especially as the Ospreys will be fired up to bounce back from a 22-6 loss at Scarlets last time out.
The last seven meetings between Dragons and Ospreys have produced three wins each and one draw, which underlines how tough it is to call their encounters.
But Ospreys will head to Newport on the back of already winning there this season, courtesy of a 28-20 verdict in the PRO14.
Location:
Rodney Parade, Newport 1pm
Officials:
Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU, 45th competition game) Assistant Referees: Aled Evans, Ben Breakspear (both WRU) TMO: Rhys Thomas (WRU)
Overall Guinness PRO14 head to head record:
Played 36, Dragons won 12, Ospreys won 23 with 1 game drawn.
Did you know?
- Dragons have won only four of their last fifteen first team matches, although all four victories have been since the start of March in their last seven matches.
- Dragons have won three of their last four home games in all tournaments.
- Ospreys Rugby record in their last four fixtures is won two, lost two. • Ospreys have won five of their last eight away games in all competitions.
- The last seven meetings between the two sides have been split evenly with three wins apiece plus a draw.
- Ospreys have already won at Rodney Parade this season, having beaten Dragons there 28-20 in Round 11 of the Guinness PRO14.
