The return of the Guinness PRO14 is only hours away as Round 7 gets underway with a box office double bill following a two-week hiatus for European competition. Munster welcome Edinburgh and Scarlets travel to Ulster to kickstart the weekend’s action and it’s only right that our latest Media Watch begins with Friday’s fascinating match-ups. In Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph has focused on Robert Baloucoune’s return to the Ulster starting XV as one of six changes made to the team that defeated Clermont in the Champions Cup. The winger has only played nine minutes for the province this season, coming off the bench against Munster earlier this month, as a knee injury has spoiled the start to his campaign. Ulster’s opponents Scarlets will also be grateful to call on the services of three of their Welsh internationals, with Steff Evans, Samson Lee and Ryan Elias in the starting line-up. Go BIG 💥 For LESS 💪Adults £26 Concessions £13Family £63Early bird ends midnight Cyber Monday 👇🎟 https://t.co/R8yVDHxLWW pic.twitter.com/wmZTj6lYcy— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) November 26, 2019 The trio had been included in Wayne Pivac’s first Wales squad for the clash against the Barbarians on Saturday but they were released back to the region after missing out on the matchday 23. They are not the only Wales stars who will be received by their regions this weekend, with nine members of Pivac’s original squad released back for the Guinness PRO14 fixtures. Cardiff Blues will have Hallam Amos and flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes available for their visit to Treviso to face Benetton on Saturday, while Dragons can call on Taine Basham. The Ospreys will also be boosted by the return of prop Nicky Smith, lock Bradley Davies and centre Scott Williams when they welcome Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday evening. Speaking of Wales, former Scarlets boss Pivac insists he is ready to put his stamp on the country’s international team after naming Justin Tipuric as captain for his first game in charge. He also used his pre-game press conference to defend his decision to select players on residency as New Zealand-born Scarlets winger Johnny McNicholl prepares to make his debut. Elsewhere, The Irish Times has looked at Johann van Graan’s drastic changes to his squad for Munster’s meeting with Edinburgh at Irish Independent Park. Mata, @hamishwatson7, and Bradbury unite for Edinburgh 😲Preview: @Munsterrugby vs @EdinburghRugby 👇📰 https://t.co/50KSLtu8F6 pic.twitter.com/tnlDBdNyK8— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) November 28, 2019 Van Graan has made 15 changes to the side that drew with Racing 92 in the Champions Cup last weekend, with fly-half Ben Healy handed his first Guinness PRO14 start. In Scotland, Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill has welcomed the timely return of Scotland duo Hamish Watson and Stuart McInally following their World Cup exploits. Watson will make his first appearance since being injured in Scotland’s opening pool match in Japan when he faces Munster while McInally is also set to resume club action in Cork. Returning to Ireland, Connacht head coach Andy Friend has revealed he is confidence that the province and the IRFU can finalise a new contract for Bundee Aki. The 29-year-old’s current deal expires at the conclusion of this campaign but Friend feels positive that a deal is “getting closer every day” ahead of meeting with Isuzu Southern Kings. Finally, The Irish Examiner is reporting that a number of Irish internationals are set to be rested over the festive period to avoid burnout following their World Cup duties in Japan.
