The long wait is almost over. The Guinness PRO14 returns this weekend for what promises to be another blockbuster season.

All roads lead to the Cardiff City Stadium in June where the Guinness PRO14 Final will take place next year.

But before the opening round of action, our writer Charlie Talbot-Smith has his say on how he predicts the season will unfold – something you can also do on Predcitor, via the app.

WHO WILL WIN THE GUINNESS PRO14?

It’s hard to look past Leinster, the two-time defending champions. But they will have to work their way back up to speed this year after the World Cup.

So my tip would be Glasgow Warriors, they are improving year on year under Dave Rennie, came so close last year and while they have lost Stuart Hogg have a conveyor belt of young talent that keeps delivering.

WHO WILL SCORE THE MOST TRIES?

I expect the Toyota Cheetahs to finish up on top of this statistic this season.

Unhampered by international call-ups, and with their free-flowing attacking style, they should be the league’s great entertainers once again.