It’s Munster for the title with Scarlets chasing them

AFTER a long summer of negotiations, the Guinness PRO14 begins on Friday and I’ve nailed my colours to the mast with my title pick.

I think Munster will win the trophy. Before I explain why, I’d like to point out that I’d love to see the Scarlets make it back-to-back successes and I think Wayne Pivac’s men will go very close. The Ospreys, too, will be in and around the shakeup come the end of the season, but for me it’s the Irishmen of Munster who look like the best bet.

It might surprise some people to hear me say that because Rassie Erasmus’ men have been written off and they haven’t exactly been helped by their main man confirming he’ll be moving back to South Africa in the near future.

Munster were also blown apart by the Scarlets in last season’s final, but if there’s one thing we know about the men from Thomond Park, it’s that they always, always respond when the chips are down.

Last season was just so difficult for Munster. The death of Anthony Foley was such a tragic event it would have had a monumental impact on any team. Munster were clearly motivated to play for Anthony and they came so close to winning the title before just running out of puff.

This season, I think they’ll be an entirely different proposition. The Scarlets did superbly well last season to secure the title and to do it with the style they did was the cherry on top of the cake. I’m not sure, though, if their squad has the depth of others like Munster and Leinster.

Munster aren’t exactly an outside bet for the title, they’re up there year after year. But this season seems different. Not many people are talking about them and, for me, that makes them very dangerous.

I also think the fact Rassie is returning to South Africa could end up working intheir favour. I know he is very popular there and the players will want to send him on his way – whenever he does depart – knowing his team are in a good position.

One final thing on Munster which has swayed me to pick them: I think they have recruited smartly.

Their signings haven’t picked up much media attention, but JJ Hanrahan is an astute purchase. He obviously knows Munster inside out having played for them before and he’s too good a player to be No 2 like he was to Stephen Myler at Northampton Saints.

So it’s Munster for me as title winners, with the Scarlets and Leinster leading the charge behind them.

Only a few days to go now before the action starts, let battle commence!