Each game week Paul Williams ‘Black & White’ column will take a look around the world of the Guinness PRO14 and beyond. Known for his contributions to Rugby World, his obsession for the game and his notorious tennis elbow, as an independent columnist Paul will bring his unique takes on rugby to pro14rugby.org. With no grey areas, entertainment and enlightenment are assured. A must follow on Twitter @thepaulwilliams If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll be aware that my predictions have mixed results. ‘Mixed’ results being as accurate a term to describe my predictions as ‘Salon Styling’ describes Donald Trump’s hair. In what may be the most pointless article in the history of rugby, here are my predictions for rugby in 2020. Leinster to Complete Another Double Let’s start off with a safe prediction – Leinster to walk the Guinness PRO14 and the Champions Cup. We all like to see a good competition, but let’s face it, Leinster are so far ahead of everyone in the Guinness PRO14 that you need prescription lenses to see them. Whether they are playing their full squad, or rotating, there is little drop quality in the forwards or backs and the results prove it. With the best academy structure in Europe and one of the most experienced coaching setups, it is possible that they will go all season unbeaten. But this isn’t a situation where those in the Top 14 and Gallagher Premiership can look over the rugby wall and have a snigger – there is nobody in Europe who’ll come close to beating Leinster this year either. With Saracens caught between a rock and a hard place, a situation of their own making, they’re unlikely to be able to tilt their squad towards performing in Europe – as they have in previous seasons. Clermont, Racing and Toulouse have the ability to beat Leinster, but even their squads look like disregarded Christmas wrapping paper when compared to Leinster’s. It’s been a pleasure to watch them this season, and we’re only half-way through. Well played Leinster.
