Brendan Cole's Magners League preview

It is not long since the early rounds of the Magners League were virtual warm up games but the trend this season is towards greater interest from all involved - from the viewing public to players, to coaching staff.

With a long season ahead, none of the Irish sides has their full XV out just yet but there is a step up in quality compared to just a few short years ago and the intensity and 'trueness' of the matches should also improve.

Leinster and Ulster get the competition started with Friday night matches.

Already it looks like new blues coach Joe Schmidt sees the pecking orders a little differently to Michael Cheika. Up front, hooker Richardt Strauss, largely ignored by the Australian after being brought in from the Super 14, is promoted to starting duties ahead of John Fogarty.

Schmidt's general handling of the front row in these early weeks will be of interest and the performance of South African prop Heineke Van Der Merwe is one of those key early indicators that may tell a lot about how this season will pan out.

New second row Mariano Galarza is an interesting man to watch on the bench.

In the back-row, Sean O'Brien is given the captaincy despite the presence of established Irish internationals Jamie Heaslip and Shane Horgan, and senior pro Nathan Hines while Luke Fitzgerald's selection at full-back is even more eye-catching than Isa Nacewa's presence at 10.

Glasgow come into the match on a high after a good pre-season and boast the Scottish international centre pairing of Graeme Morrison and Max Evans, some sharp outside backs and a decent fly-half in Ruaridh Jackson. But the forward pack looks moderate at best and Leinster may have enough strength and energy to make their superior back-row count. The 'Killer B' trio of Kelly Brown, John Barclay and Johnnie Beattie do not travel, while second row Alastair Kellock is also missing through injury.

If Leinster can get on top, there will be chances for the backline with much responsibility for making it tick falling to Nacewa. The former Auckland Blue never really worked out as an out-half for Leinster in the past but at this stage, you have to assume that Schmidt's reputation as a backs guru is warranted and that Nacewa's role will surely be clearly enough defined for him to do well.

If Hines, O'Brien, Heaslip, Nacewa and Isaac Boss can turn the advantage Leinster have in the forwards into dynamic, forward moving play, Leinster must have a decent chance of a valuable away win on opening weekend.

For Ulster, tonight will provide the first indications as to whether or not the big money that has been spent on bringing in high class South African talent will pay off.

Johann Muller's leadership qualities have been talked up and he starts in the second row while Red Hand supporters will hope Pedrie Wannenburg lives up to the hype as well. Alongside Muller and Wannenburg, the returning duo of Stephen Ferris and Rory Best make this a very high quality pack.

In behind it is good to see the exciting Paul Marshall handed a chance at scrum-half prior to the arrival of Ruan Pienaar who is still, along with BJ Botha, on Tri-Nations duty. Marshall may have to settle for playing second fiddle this season but his pace makes him a player with a future and one to watch here.

Elsewhere, the backline is somewhat inexperienced though centre duo Ian Whitten and Darren Cave are players at a stage in their careers where they need to be seen as more senior options rather than up and comers.

Niall O'Connor at out-half has the ability to keep the ball in front of his forwards through the boot and a fairly basic game plan - though not always what we have come to expect from Ulster - may be the plan, at least to begin with.

Ulster can consider themselves fortunate that the Champions do not travel at full strength - with Tommy Bowe among those missing out.

The back-row of Jerry Collins, Marty Hollah and Jonathan Thomas is the obvious standout unit while Dan Biggar is an out-half well capable of steering his side to away wins at tricky venues. The back division also looks more than capable - the Ospreys have Lee Byrne and Shane Williams to come on from the bench. Ulster will need to perform very well to get a home win but it may be just within their compass.

Munster have the easiest task of the Irish sides for their season opener on Saturday. That said, facing Aironi is by no means the equivalent of Ireland taking on Italy in the Six Nations.

The Italians have pulled together a decent looking first XV with names like full-back Julien Laharrague and front row pair Fabio Ongara, Salvatore Perugini in particular worth a second look. The return of Nick Williams, who lines out at number eight for the Italians, should give the back-row battle plenty of edge. Ex-Ulster second row Carlo Del Fava is also in the Italian side.

For Munster, the presence of Felix Jones at full-back after a nasty neck injury that ended his season last year is heartening while the brand new centre-pair of Sam Tuitopou and Johne Murphy is of obvious interest. Most of Murphy's top level experience is on the wing but he could be a calming influence at 12 alongside Paul Warwick. Tuitopou is a former New Zealand Test player and the hope is that he will have the combination of vision and penetration Munster badly needed last year.

Peter Stringer's distribution means there will be some quick ball but the key is for the Munster midfield to get over the gainline and give the pack something to aim at.

This could be one of those sticky matches Munster occasionally get mired in when they are favourites, though they should have more than enough to secure a win and bonus point in the final 20.

Connacht have yet to finalise the XV for their opener against the Dragons but go into their opening game boasting a strong home record against the Welsh region. The picture may change when the teams are selected but home form was key for both these sides last year and the Westerners will have high hopes of starting with a home win against the weakest Welsh region.

MAGNERS LEAGUE PREDICTIONS:

Leinster 22-10 Glasgow
Ulster 15-12 Ospreys
Munster 42-15 Aironi
Connacht TBC Dragons