Only three out of six games were predicted correctly last week as Zebre won away in Edinburgh, whilst Munster and Scarlets also upset the odds by winning on the road.

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Connacht

Given their Pro12 form, it is very easy to write the Dragons off in this column, but this is a game which they will genuinely feel they have chance of winning coming on the back of their victory over Brive. They will need to make a fast start and hope Connacht are slightly off their game to change the trend which tells us that Connacht have won the last seven encounters between the two sides. The visitors should have an advantage at the break-down and certainly possess greater attacking threat in their backs; this extra quality should see them home. Connacht by 4.

Munster vs Ospreys

I’m really looking forward to this one. Both Munster and Ospreys are performing well in the Pro12 and over their last six meetings the honours have been even. There is very little to choose between the teams although they do have a different style to their play. Ospreys are affected more by the autumn international call-ups, and this may have an impact. This match is being played at Irish Independence Park rather than Thomond Park, however I still expect home advantage to be a significant factor in the outcome. Munster by 3.

Edinburgh vs Ulster

Edinburgh’s erratic season continued last week with defeat at home to Zebre following their European win against Harlequins. Ulster were hit by a drop goal five minutes before time to suffer a rare 14-15 home defeat, and in truth Munster were the better side for most of the game. Whilst it’s difficult to know which Edinburgh will turn up on Friday evening, I would still expect Ulster (despite their shaky form) to play the game in the right areas of the park, control possession better and emerge from Murrayfield with a narrow win. Ulster by 7.

Benetton Treviso vs Cardiff Blues

The Blues have slipped off the pace in the Pro12 recently having now lost three games on the trot. Treviso put in a strong second half performance against Glasgow last weekend, and will take confidence from the fact that they have a great home record against the Blues who haven’t won at the Stadio Monigo since March 2012. It will probably be tight, but despite the history of this fixture and their recent form, the Blues are a stronger looking side in all areas and should return from Italy with at least four points. Cardiff Blues by 12.

Zebre vs Leinster

After their confidence boosting away win in Edinburgh last week, Zebre will go in to this game against the league leaders feeling a whole lot better about things. However Leinster are not as fallible as Edinburgh, and given their ability to go toe to toe with Castres and Montpellier in the Champions Cup, I just can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for the Irish. Zebre have failed to record a single league point against Leinster in their previous eight attempts. Leinster by 14.

Scarlets vs Glasgow Warriors

Saturday’s late game pitches the joint league leaders against a Scarlets side which has now won four Pro12 games on the bounce. Both sides are impacted by international call-ups, but it certainly affects Glasgow more significantly losing 15 players! With the Warriors struggling to find any great form at the moment and Scarlets on an impressive run, a home win looks the most likely outcome. Scarlets by 9.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7