Connacht vs Zebre

Connacht have rekindled hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champion’s Cup by winning their last three games. In this kind of form there is nothing to suggest that they will have any concern about the visit of Zebre. I’m expecting a very comfortable bonus point win. Connacht by 24.

Edinburgh vs Ospreys

Last weekend Edinburgh contrived to lose at home to Cardiff, when winning looked easier. Meanwhile, the Ospreys turned around a half-time deficit in their 26-15 win over Glasgow. The home side are likely to play well in patches and will be competitive up front, but there is so little cutting edge to their back-line that the Ospreys can probably afford to soak up the pressure and hit on the counter-attack. The visitors are far more clinical and will keep the pressure on Leinster at the top of the table. Ospreys by 11.

Ulster vs Benetton Treviso

Ulster remain in strong contention for a play-off spot; sitting in fifth but with a game in hand. When Italian teams come visiting, the other Pro12 sides normally rub their hands, rest any players with slight niggles and still expect to come away with a victory. I can’t see much different happening at the Kingspan on Friday night. Ulster by 32.

Glasgow Warriors vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Glasgow’s hopes of finishing in the top four have been dealt a near fatal blow over the last three rounds, and they are left needing to pretty much win all their remaining games including visits to Munster and Leinster. The Dragons season is also petering out in a familiar fashion as they continue in their annual battle with Edinburgh to finish in an unimpressive ninth place. The Warriors form has been so poor of late, that what would normally be an easy home win prediction, is now less clear cut. So, this one may be quite close, but with home advantage, I’m taking Glasgow to avoid a fourth straight defeat. Glasgow Warriors by 5.

Cardiff Blues vs Munster

It had to come eventually, but Munster’s impressive winning run in the Pro12 finally came to an end last weekend, going down to the excellent Scarlets. The Blues had a confidence boosting one point victory in Edinburgh where their patience was eventually rewarded. I expect some kind of reaction from Munster this week, and with an edge up front, they should very quickly get back on track. Munster by 6.

Leinster vs Scarlets

Of all the games this weekend, this one holds the most interest with the new league leaders taking on a buoyant Scarlets side. Leinster will start as favourites, and rightly so, but their visitors are punching really hard in the run-in to the play-offs and have beaten Munster, Glasgow and Ulster in recent weeks. I think Leinster will be well prepared, and given what happened to Munster, won’t be taking this game lightly. With so much quality in their squad, the home side should have enough to remain on top of the Pro12 come Saturday evenng. Leinster by 8.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7