Newport Gwent Dragons vs Ospreys
These two sides will not feature in the play-offs, and it’s incredibly unlikely that the Ospreys can now qualify for next season’s Champions Cup. So it’s pride that’s up for grabs at Rodney Parade. The Dragons have not recorded a Pro12 win since Round 9, whereas their opponents are staring down the barrel of a fourth straight defeat. Taulupe Faletau will captain the Dragons for the first time in what could be his final home game before moving to Bath. Meanwhile Steve Tandy makes nine changes to an Ospreys side with Dan Biggar back in at fly-half.
After recent disappointments, expect the Ospreys to bounce back with a narrow win. Ospreys by 6.
Edinburgh vs Zebre
Edinburgh ground out a one point victory against the Dragons last week to stay within touching distance of a Champions Cup place. Nothing less than a bonus point win against Zebre will keep this dream alive. The home side make four changes including a debut for on-loan Jason Tovey at fly-half. Zebre have lost their last six games and embarrassingly have failed to score a single point in their last two matches. Prop Andrea Lovotti returns from international duty, but even so the Italians will struggle to match the Scots up front.
Whilst according to rugby betting online experts at online-betting.me.uk Edinburgh are comfortable favourites, they don’t find scoring tries easy and will not run up the cricket score that they would like. Edinburgh by 14.
Ulster vs Connacht
Connacht continue to set the pace after a fantastic victory over favourites Leinster last weekend. Things don’t get easier for them on Friday night when they visit the Kingspan to play an Ulster side which has stuttered in recent weeks. Remarkably, Connacht have not won in Belfast since 1960, but they come in to this game on their best ever Pro12 winning streak. Ulster welcome back the international trio of Rory Best, Andrew Trimble and Jared Payne, whilst Connacht give Shane O’Leary his first Pro12 start and John Cooney replaces the injured Kieran Marmion.
Connacht have got themselves a little bit of daylight at the top of the table, and there is more at stake for Ulster who need to win to keep their play-off hopes alive. For that reason and the traditionally raucous Friday night home support, Ulster will do enough to bag a vital win. Ulster by 7.
Scarlets vs Cardiff Blues
A few weeks ago this would have been a certain home win, however the Blues’ form has improved with every outing and they have got themselves involved in the Champions Cup qualifying battle, albeit belatedly. The Scarlets will be thrilled to have Samson Lee back in the front-row, whilst Cardiff have a strong line-up which once again includes Sam Warburton.
The Scarlets will want to avenge their 29-27 defeat by Cardiff in January, and should do enough to win another tight but high scoring game. Scarlets by 3.
Benetton Treviso vs Glasgow Warriors
It will not have escaped anyone’s notice that the defending champions are climbing the table with some pace at the moment. They have now recorded five straight wins and are chasing down a play-off place. This is the first of an Italian double-header for Glasgow, and they will feel that ten points is needed from the two games. Crazy though it seems, bottom of the table Treviso have a Champions Cup place to play for, being just three points behind Zebre. Gregor Townsend includes Simone Favaro in the line-up to face his former club.
Playing the Italian teams away from home is always more tricky, and bagging the bonus point won’t be straight forward, but Glasgow will pick up another important win as they attempt to defend their title. Glasgow Warriors by 10.
Leinster vs Munster
The Aviva will host over 40,000 fans for what will be a cracking game to finish off Round 19! The home side’s seemingly dominant league position has come under attack in the last fortnight thanks to away defeats at the hands of Glasgow and Connacht. However they have picked up a losing bonus on each occasion. Munster are enjoying a mini purple patch with four straight wins, and if they continue that against Leinster then the championship will be blown even more wide open than it already is.
Jamie Heaslip returns to the Leinster starting XV, and there are eight other changes as the home side seriously muscle up for this encounter. Munster make four changes and CJ Stander captains the side.
This game will be tight, competitive and uncompromisingly aggressive. Expect to see an almighty battle in the back-row, but it might just be the home side’s extra quality in the backs which make the difference. Leinster by 4.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images