It’s been an exhilarating season of Guinness PRO14 action and the Conference A table is really starting to take shape heading into an intriguing Round 11. And it’s defending champions Leinster who remain the pace-setters, lying 11 points clear of Ulster at the summit after recording an imperious run of ten wins from ten. Such an impressive start to the season equalled the Irish side’s own record set in 2001⁄02 – where they went on to lift the trophy – and has laid a formidable platform as the competition enters its business end. So, with 11 rounds of action remaining before the Guinness PRO14 Finals Series begin, here’s a look at some of the key points that may shape the end of the campaign for Leo Cullen’s men. What does the schedule look like? Leinster’s ascendancy at the top of Conference A may appear unassailable to some onlookers, but there remains a chasing pack ready and waiting to capitalise on any mistakes from last season’s Guinness PRO14 winners. Cullen’s team face Toyota Cheetahs at the fortress-resembling RDS Arena when the competition rolls back into action in mid-February, representing an opportunity for the side to send out a further statement of intent to the rest of the field.
