Llanelli Scarlets vs Munster

Scarlets and Munster both boast a 100% record in the PRO12, so something will need to give in what is probably the game of the round. Welsh internationals Samson Lee, Ken Owens and Jake Ball all return to a strong Scarlets starting XV, and they will be looking forward to seeing Canadian world cup star DTH van der Merwe having another run out following his two tries against Leinster last week. Gareth Davies starts on the bench. Munster make a number of changes with Jordan Coghlan starting alongside Dave O’Callaghan and CJ Stander in the back row. Cathal Sheridan and Tyler Bleyendaal play at half-back and the experienced Denis Hurley joins up with the academy’s David Johnston in the centre. A further academy player Stephen Fitzgerald plays on the right wing.

There is little to choose between the teams. The Scarlets finished last season strongly and are carrying this form in to the new season. The battle at the breakdown will be key with two strong back rows and it is here that the Scarlets may edge it. Scarlets by 3.

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Benetton Treviso

The Dragons will be looking to get their season back on track after two disappointing away defeats. Their performance last week against Glasgow was not as bad as the result suggests, and Treviso haven’t won an away game in the PRO12 since May 2013! For the Dragons, Nick Scott comes in on the wing and Luc Jones at scrum-half, whilst Matthew Screech and Cory Hill form an all new second row. Centre Adam Hughes returns from Exeter Chiefs on a three month loan and goes straight in to the starting lineup. Treviso have made ten changes from their defeat to Ospreys, the most notable being the inclusion of Luke Mclean at stand-off, Francesco Minto in the back row and Tom Palmer in the second row.

With Treviso’s poor away record a comfortable win for the Welsh side is expected. Dragons by 20.

Ulster vs Cardiff Blues

With Paddy Jackson and Darren Cave returning from Rugby World Cup duty, the Ulster squad for this game has been strengthened. Whilst the duo start on the bench, Ian Humphreys makes his first PRO12 appearance of the season. Dan Tuohy is missing from the pack following his concussion in last week’s defeat to Edinburgh, so Lewis Stevenson takes his place. For Cardiff, Cam Dolan, the USA Eagles backrower, will make his debut. Josh Navidi returns to captain the team at No.8, Aled Summerhill comes in on the wing and Adam Thomas gets his first start of the season at centre.

Ulster’s home form should be enough to see them through in this game. Their record at the Kingspan is hugely impressive and the Blues historically have struggled on the road. The finishing ability of the Ulster wings Craig Gilroy and Andrew Trimble could also be the difference. Ulster by 10.

Leinster vs Glasgow Warriors

Leo Cullen has made seven changes to the starting line-up which lost away to the Scarlets. Mike McCarthy and Rhys Ruddock return from World Cup duty, and Ben Te’o and Jack Conan have been cleared to play following injuries. Both props are changed with Michael Bent and Marty Moore slotting in, whilst Aaron Dundon as hooker completes an all-change front row. Glasgow can point to six players returning from the World Cup: Sean Lamont, Richie Vernon, Duncan Weir, Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson start, while Kevin Bryce is on the bench.

This should be an entertaining match, with both teams keen to play at a fast tempo. It was a 34-34 draw the last time they met in March, and this one could be similarly close. There is likely to be little in it come the final whistle. Leinster by 2.

Ospreys vs Connacht

The Irish team have been scoring tries for fun this season having racked up 131 points in four games and should start as favourites. The Ospreys have lost three of their PRO12 matches and they appear to have really missed their World Cup contingent over the last few weeks. It is unlikely that many of these players will be back in the Ospreys starting line-up, and Dan Biggar and Scott Baldwin have definitely been ruled out until passing concussion tests.

Despite the fact that the Ospreys have won the last three encounters between these teams, Connacht are developing a winning habit that should be extended on Saturday. Connacht by 4.

Zebre vs Edinburgh

Strangely, Zebre have beaten Edinburgh on two out of the last three occasions, but having not won a PRO12 match in the last 10 attempts there is little to suggest that they will make it three out of four. The Scots have started the season with four wins, and are one of only three unbeaten teams (although their victories have been by relatively narrow margins).

They may be welcoming back some of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup squad, but whether they are named to play or not, Edinburgh should pack too much punch up front for the Italians. Edinburgh by 10.

By Keith McKenzie

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images