The early rounds of the Guinness PRO14 were always going to be testing for those teams contributing large numbers of players to the Rugby World Cup. Benetton and Glasgow Warriors, for example, have found it tricky to cope without their international contingent, with just the one victory between them through three rounds. They will be receiving reinforcements very soon, with both Italy and Scotland eliminated in the pool stages. And yet there are some teams who have thrived, even with large numbers out in the Far East. We will focus on three in particular – with apologies to Connacht who look to have found a gem in Conor Fitzgerald as he stepped up to replace Jack Carty. SURPRISING SCARLETS We have to start with Brad Mooar’s Scarlets. Three from three and leading the way in Conference B despite being heavily diminished by Wales’ World Cup run. Between their front row and midfield absentees, it would have been understandable if the Scarlets had fallen off the pace, but instead they appear to have stepped up a level under their new coach. Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies have a claim for the best centre partnership in the competition, and few would have tipped a Paul Asquith-Steffan Hughes duo to have the same impact. But with the Welsh starting midfield absent, Asquith and Hughes have seized their opportunity. The former is such a valuable squad option, capable of playing virtually across the backline. Hughes, meanwhile, is taking his opportunity and fulfilling the potential that was apparent when he was a key fixture in the Wales Under-20s squad. Add in Dan Jones, taking on fly-half duties in the absence of Rhys Patchell, and the emergence of Taylor Davies who looks to be yet another hooker option in addition to Ken Owens and Ryan Elias, and the Scarlets look to have enviable depth when everyone is available. LETHAL LEINSTER Speaking of enviable depth, Leinster’s early-season form has only served to reinforce the feeling that no one has the sheer quantity of options as Leo Cullen. No Johnny Sexton? No problem, Ross Byrne will step up. Missing Rob Kearney and Jordan Larmour? Hugo Keenan is ready and waiting to take his chance. And what of the back row? Josh van der Flier and Rhys Ruddock are in Japan, Jack Conan and Dan Leavy would be but for injury. Yet in Will Connors and Caelan Doris, Leinster have two of the early standout performers this season.
