Edinburgh vs Cardiff Blues

It’s going to be all change at Edinburgh next season with the arrival of Richard Cockerill. The players have a few months to prove themselves and this starts on Friday night against the Blues. The Scots played well for much of the first half last weekend against Leinster, but failed to convert their time in the red zone in to points. The Blues had a confidence boosting 57-20 win at home to Treviso last time out, but this kind of result against Italian opposition doesn’t really give much of a clue as to the team’s underlying form. With home advantage on a tight Myreside pitch and the incentive of Cockerill’s impending arrival, I’m going for an Edinburgh victory. Edinburgh by 4.

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Leinster

There is little in the form book of either side to suggest anything other than an away win. Leinster were clinical last week and really are the masters at keeping the scoreboard ticking over when they have opportunities. The Dragons will struggle to match Leinster’s physicality and don’t possess enough in their back-line to seriously threaten their opponents. Leinster by 18.

Munster vs Scarlets

The Munster machine rumbled on against the Ospreys in last week’s top of the table clash. It was a mighty close game and not without some controversy, but the fact remains that the Munstermen are the ones to stop this season. They will be strong favourites at home to a visiting Scarlets side who are on a pretty good run of form themselves. I expect the visitors to keep in touch during the game but Munster’s winning streak to continue. Munster by 5.

Ospreys vs Glasgow Warriors

Whilst the Ospreys will have been disappointed by their defeat at home to Munster, they have a great opportunity this week to consolidate their top four position with victory against a mis-firing Glasgow Warriors side. Over the last few weeks it has become clear that the Warriors simply don’t have the strength and depth to cope with the absence of over 15 international players; and this is now really threatening to derail their Pro12 season. Ospreys by 23.

Zebre vs Ulster

This has ‘away win’ written all over it. Ulster are eight points off a top four position but with a game in hand. Although, on occasions, they have struggled to put away the Italian teams on the road, I don’t see them missing the opportunity for a reasonably straight forward five-pointer in Sunday’s game. Ulster by 31.

Benetton Treviso vs Connacht

Connacht’s wins over the Dragons and the Blues in the last two rounds has given their season a real boost. With back to back matches against Italian opposition, they should move up to seventh and become serious contenders for a Champions Cup slot again. Treviso do offer an attacking threat and will normally clock up some points, but their defence is not really up to the Pro12 challenge; conceding an average of 34 points per game…unsurprisingly the worst in the league. Connacht by 8.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7