Edinburgh vs Newport Gwent Dragons
Edinburgh go into this game having recorded back to back wins against French opposition in the Challenge Cup. Their pack continues to go well, and the introduction of John Hardie in the backrow has given them more dynamism at the breakdown. The Dragons’ luck deserted them last weekend away to Castres where they lost 32-29, but they recorded a good home victory over the Sale Sharks the week before. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Phil Burleigh are the starting half-backs for Edinburgh, whilst the Dragons welcome back Welsh winger Tom Prydie following a knee injury.
There won’t be much in this game, but the Edinburgh front row will give them an edge which may just see them home. Edinburgh by 5.
Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton Treviso
The Warriors will be looking to get over their Champions Cup disappointment when they entertain Treviso on Friday evening. Their back division is full of quality with Alex Dunbar returning to the side to partner Mark Bennett at centre. Chris Fusaro and Ryan Grant both make their 100th appearances for the club. The Italians have lost their last 16 games, and although their starting line-up looks strong they will need to produce something special to break this losing streak. They have not won away from home in the Pro12 since May 2013 and having lost the last seven encounters with Glasgow; there is little to suggest that the Scots will not win this game with a bit to spare. Glasgow by 15.
Leinster vs Ulster
With both teams licking their wounds from poor European results you get a sense that they will be delighted to be back to Pro12 business at the RDS Arena on Friday. The Dublin and Belfast rivalry always generates a good atmosphere and this should be a really competitive game. For Leinster, Rob Kearney returns to the team, and Luke McGrath is preferred at scrum-half to Isaac Boss. In the forwards, Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, Mike McCarthy and Josh van der Flier are brought back in to the team. Ruan Pienaar makes his 100th appearance for Ulster, and there are four changes to the starting XV with Kyle McCall, Robbie Diack and Sean Reidy included in the pack and Peter Nelson named at full-back.
Not an influencing factor, but it is interesting nonetheless to note that the Ulstermen cannot seem to escape a results pattern which has seen them go WLWLWLW for the last seven weeks in the Pro12 – not a good omen then! Leinster by 4.
Ospreys vs Cardiff Blues
After the Ospreys’ slow start to the Pro12, their adventures in Europe over the last fortnight will have come as a welcome relief. They are clearly benefitting from their returning World Cup stars and playing some fast-paced running rugby. The Blues are starting to look like a team who will be permanently occupying space in the lower half of the league this season. The Ospreys hold an impressive 18-8 head to head record in games against the Blues, and they have also not lost to another Welsh side at the Liberty Stadium since 2010. Hanno Dirksen comes in for Josh Matavesi who is undergoing HIA protocols, whilst the Blues have both Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton starting.
These two clearly know each other very well and this can sometimes lead to unexpected results, but with the Ospreys’ confidence on a high, we should expect to see their remarkable home record continue on Saturday. Ospreys by 8.
Munster vs Connacht
The game of Round 8 sees a table-topping clash between two Irish provinces. It’s likely to be a tough encounter with huge physicality up front, and this is where the game will be won or lost. Connacht deserve their position at the top of the table, but an away trip to Munster is going to demand even more from them; they have not beaten Munster at Thomond Park since 1986! Head Coach Pat Lam has made nine changes from the Connacht team that started against Brive last week. USA international AJ MacGinty is named as number 10 for his first Pro12 start, and he is joined at half back by Ireland international Kieran Marmion, who this week signed a new two-year deal with the province. The home side will be disappointed that Conor Murray will miss the game having failed to recover from a foot injury sustained against Treviso, however Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino will make his debut on the left wing.
With both sides physically matched there will be little in it. Ultimately it may just be home advantage and Munster’s experience in these big games which prove decisive. Munster by 6.
Scarlets vs Zebre
After an impressive unbeaten run of six games, the Scarlets have now suffered three defeats on the trot (two in European competition and a Round 7 defeat away to Leinster). It will be important for them to get back to winning ways at the Parc y Scarlets on Sunday afternoon. Having recorded excellent home wins over Edinburgh and Cardiff in Rounds 6 & 7, Zebre have struggled to replicate this kind of form away from home. Both teams field exciting back-line selections, and if weather allows this could be a high scoring game.
The Scarlets should carry more threat in attack and this will help them regain some of their winning momentum from earlier in the season. Scarlets by 12.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images