Domestic action returns this weekend but clashes with the last round of the Autumn tests, which makes for some interesting match-ups. The usually-strong teams are often missing key players, and aren’t as cohesive as they would be due to missing personnel.

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Munster

Normally this game would be easy to call. The Dragon’s PRO12 season thus far has been pretty poor with only one win in seven rounds against bottom-ranked Treviso. Their best result this season must be their victory over the Ospreys last weekend in the LV= Cup. Munster, on the other hand, have put their poor start behind them and are back to winning ways, but with the exodus of players due to international commitments how will they fare away from home without their key men? I still think they should win this – but not by a huge margin.

Prediction: Munster by 7

Connacht vs Zebre

Excitement is building at the Sportsground with All Blacks veteran Mils Muliaina making his long awaited debut for Connacht. They may have lost two games in their last four in the PRO12 but they are so far unbeaten at home. As for Zebre, even before you consider how depleted they will be due to Italy’s game against South Africa this weekend, their season’s had a lot more downs than ups. Notwithstanding a shock win over Ulster and losing by only one point to league leaders Ospreys, the rest of their losses have been by 15 points or more. Connacht this season have been by far the most improved side in the league and despite losing some players to the Ireland camp, I don’t think a heavily-depleted Zebre away from home are going to be much of a challenge for them.

Prediction: Connacht by 17

Llanelli Scarlets vs Glasgow

This one is tricky to call. On paper Glasgow are the stronger side this season and under normal circumstances it would be easy to back them here against a Scarlets side who haven’t lived up to their potential in the PRO12 (those draws against Ulster and Edinburgh being prime examples). I think, though, that with so many Warriors on call for Scotland against Tonga this weekend and with the cohesion Scarlets have from their excellent showing in the LV= Cup means that the home side should take it.

Prediction: Scarlets by 3

Ulster vs Ospreys

Ulster come into this game relatively unscathed by the Autumn internationals with the return of Cave, Olding and Gilroy. They’re lucky enough to be able to name a squad with only one change since their dispatching of Newport a few weeks back. Ulster have only one loss (and a draw) to their name so far this season, they’ve only lost once at home since September of last year. Top of the table Ospreys, on the other hand, have been decimated by the Autumn series, losing ten players to the Wales squad for this weekend’s clash with New Zealand. While they’ve had one of their best ever starts to a season this year I think Ospreys’ perfect win record is about to come to an end at the hands of the Ulstermen.

Prediction: Ulster by 12

Benetton Treviso vs Leinster

Treviso are having a nightmare of a season thus far. Played seven, lost seven and with only one measly losing bonus point they deservedly languish at the bottom of the table. Leinster seem to be back on track with two victories on the trot after an up-and-down opening half to this year’s season. With so many players injured or on international duty this has the potential to be a massive banana skin for the Irish side. Were Treviso to pull off an unlikely win here, it would be a massive scalp for them, especially given their season to date. I don’t have either team sheet for this match, but I imagine Leinster’s strength in depth will tell here and they should get the win although it’s unlikely that they’ll run away with it

Prediction: Leinster by 12

Edinburgh vs Cardiff Blues

This one is a bit of a coin flip with lots of variables that need taking into account. Not knowing who’s playing for either team doesn’t help either! Both teams have been poor so far with Edinburgh taking a slight lead having won one more game than the Blues. Add to that the fact that they are at home you would think that the advantage sits with them, however the Blues have a fairly good record at Murrayfield, won 6 lost 3. This match could easily be a draw so I’m going to back the home side by the slimmest of margins and hope for the best.

Prediction: Edinburgh by 1

How do you see the weekend going?

By John O’Brien (@tiptackler)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images