Connacht vs Glasgow Warriors
What a brilliant game to finish off the regular season, as the top two battle it out to secure a home semi-final. The importance of this cannot be underestimated as there has yet to be an away winner in Pro12 play-off history. Connacht were careless last week and lost unexpectedly to Treviso whilst Glasgow hammered Zebre by 70-10 and recorded their ninth Pro12 win in a row. The team from Galway make nine changes as they recall most of their big game players including Kieran Marmion, Bundee Aki, Matt Healey and Robbie Henshaw. The Warriors name a big back-row with Josh Strauss, Rob Harley and Ryan Wilson.
The defending champions are playing scintillating rugby right now and if they are allowed any space they will score for fun. Much will come down to the impact and energy around the break-down, and it is here that Connacht can perhaps exert some dominance by slowing down Glasgow ball and delivering their own at speed. With a unique home advantage atmosphere and a quick start, Connacht could just be good enough on the day. Connacht by 5.
Edinburgh vs Cardiff Blues
In an alternative Pro12 universe where no Champions Cup slot was reserved for an Italian side, there would be much to play for in this game. However, the reality is that it’s pretty much a dead rubber. The visitors make three changes and they will be particularly pleased to see the return of Lloyd Williams and Tom James in an otherwise settled side. Edinburgh say goodbye to a few of their squad after this weekend and sentiment appears to have got the better of Alan Solomons in his team selection for Saturday’s game.
With little to play for, predicting the result is more difficult. Perhaps with home advantage and a number of players wearing the Edinburgh jersey for the last time, they will finish their season with a narrow win. Edinburgh by 3.
Leinster vs Benetton Treviso
Leinster were left reeling by Ulster last week. Although this result may have denied them finishing as the top side in the regular season, they are still highly likely to grab themselves a home semi-final. Leinster don’t appear to be taking anything for granted and field a very strong looking team full of internationalists.
It’s difficult to imagine that they will slip up in the same way as Connacht did against Treviso last week. Leinster will simply be too strong in all areas and may run up a cricket score. Leinster by 35.
Munster vs Scarlets
The home side need two points to nail down a top six finish, whilst the Scarlets, who are gunning for a top four position, could ideally do with a bonus point win. Munster have been unpredictable this season and even their once solid home form has deserted them a bit. Anthony Foley puts faith in the team that beat Edinburgh last week whilst the Scarlets are forced to make three changes due to injury with Gareth Owen, Peter Edwards and Steff Hughes in the starting XV.
Munster’s strong set of forward will be looking for some dominance and assuming they achieve this then attacking opportunities for their visitors will be limited. In the end though it may just be Munster’s end of season experience which delivers a narrow win. Munster by 4.
Ospreys vs Ulster
Ospreys still hold out hope of a Champions Cup position should they win and Munster lose. Meanwhile Ulster need a bonus point win to guarantee qualifying for the play-offs. Both sides have won their last three games, and Ulster’s 30-6 demolition of Leinster last week should give warning that they are hitting form at the right time. The Ospreys still have a number of first choice players missing whilst Ulster recall Craig Gilroy in the only change from last week.
Ulster have been more consistent this season and look to have an edge up front. They may not manage the bonus point win, but with Scarlets unlikely to pick up a winning bonus at Munster, the Ulstermen should be good for the play-offs. Ulster by 8.
Zebre vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Both sides have struggled and the end of the season cannot come soon enough. Whilst Zebre have found themselves in the perennial battle to avoid finishing last, the Dragons really haven’t fared much better having now lost their last eight Pro12 games and have been rooted to 10th place for some time. Kingsley Jones makes seven changes and gives opportunity to players who have been knocking on the door of the starting XV.
In what will be Marco Bortolami’s last game for the club, a win would almost certainly give Zebre a much coveted (although probably undeserved) Champions Cup slot. They will raise their performance levels and do enough to beat a Dragons team with nothing to play for. Zebre by 5.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images