Leinster vs Edinburgh
Leinster’s narrow victory over Munster last week may just have steadied the ship. Two wins from their next three games will be enough to secure a home semi-final. For Edinburgh, there is still the possibility of Champions Cup place but their run-in looks pretty difficult. Leinster have Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald back in situ and also field a strong front-row of Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross. Edinburgh include John Hardie in their starting XV.
Man for man Leinster look to have a stronger line-up and they also have real quality on the bench to call upon. Expect to see the home side record another win, and with such an entertaining set of backs they may do it with a bit to spare as well. Leinster by 10.
Ospreys vs Benetton Treviso
The Ospreys season is fizzling out with little left to play for except pride. Compare that to Treviso who can still (farcically) book a Champions Cup place by finishing above Zebre in 11th place. The injustices of this aside, you would expect Treviso to bring a big performance to the Liberty Stadium on Friday night. They re-unite Edoardo Gori and Sam Christie at half-back and have an exciting looking back three, however, Italian rugby is at a low ebb and it’s doubtful they will muster much of a challenge.
The Ospreys have never lost to an Italian side and despite missing 14 first team players they still have some key starters in Dan Baker, Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar.It is difficult to see past them winning very comfortably. Ospreys by 18.
Scarlets vs Glasgow Warriors
Scarlets suffered an unexpected home defeat to the Blues last week whilst Glasgow picked up their seventh straight Pro12 victory. The Scots have climbed the league steadily over the last few weeks and now sit in third place one above the Scarlets. This game will be critical in sorting out the top four with the winner well placed to grab a play-off slot. The Scarlets name Liam Williams and Steve Shingler in a strong looking side, whilst the Warriors have Josh Strauss and Stuart Hogg returning to their starting XV.
It’s going to be a mighty close one, and although Glasgow are the form team and the Scarlets have suffered a sickness bug in training during the week, home advantage might just make all the difference. Scarlets by 4.
Zebre vs Ulster
Poor old Zebre have lost their last eight games, and most of them by some margin. With the visitors hunting down a play-off position that losing trend will continue. The home team do field a relatively strong line-up and their back three is always a threat. Talking of which, Tommy Bowe will make a welcome return to the Ulster team who are without Stuart McKloskey this week.
Ulster are sitting in fifth in the league and know that they can gain some good ground with the two sides above them playing each other. The Ulstermen will expect a handsome bonus point win. Ulster by 25.
Connacht vs Munster
These two sides last met in Round 8 when Connacht won 18-12, and it was this game that really announced Connacht on the scene as serious title contenders. Another win for the home side and they will have all but cemented a play-off place and a home semi-final. Munster have a tough finishing run with Edinburgh and the Scarlets still to come, so a win on Saturday may be needed in their quest to secure a Champions Cup spot for next season. Pat Lam makes three changes to his side including the re-introduction of top try scorer Matt Healy on the wing. Meanwhile Munster flyer Simon Zebo will make his 100th appearance for the province.
The battle of the back-rows will determine the outcome and there’s not a lot to choose between them, however CJ Stander and Tommy O’Donnell might just have the edge. Munster have been here before and will need to draw on their significant ‘end of season’ experience. Munster by 3.
Cardiff Blues vs Newport Gwent Dragons
The Blues have found some great form, although it may just be too late to bag a Champions Cup slot. They have benefitted hugely from the return of Sam Warburton, Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Anscombe and this form is likely to continue against the Dragons. Despite a fantastic win over Gloucester in the Challenge Cup quarter final last weekend, the Dragons’ Pro12 form has been abysmal and their focus is now probably elsewhere. Welsh internationalist Kristian Dacey returns in place of Matthew Rees for the Blues, whilst the Dragons announced an unchanged side from their Challenge Cup outing.
The visitors’ uncertainty over their long-term ownership cannot help, but it’s the difference in quality on the pitch which will result in the Blues running out winners. Cardiff Blues by 9.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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