Connacht vs Cardiff Blues
This looks like a really interesting game. Whilst Connacht are sitting in a lowly 10th position, their recent form has been much improved. The Blues on the other hand have started to slide following a great start to their Pro12 campaign. Connacht should squeeze through in a close encounter; they have more firepower up front and home advantage is still a big factor at the Sportsground. Connacht by 6.

Scarlets vs Leinster
In what could be the tie of the round, Scarlets will be looking to make it six Pro12 wins in a row against table topping Leinster. The visitors themselves are on a winning streak having put six straight victories together. Both sides are likely to be under-strength due to international call ups – so it becomes even more difficult to call. Leinster will be missing a hatful of players but have strength and depth in their squad, whilst Scarlets won’t be missing as many – they are all key players.
Despite some of the obvious pointers, the Scarlets are actually slight favourites in the eyes of the bookies, and if the home side can start well and maintain a fast tempo to the game I fancy them to nick it. Scarlets by 3.

Glasgow Warriors vs Ospreys
Both these teams are significantly affected by international call ups, and neither coped particularly well in Round 8 when Warriors leaked 27 points at Parc y Scarlets and the Ospreys were thumped 33-0 by a rampant Munster. Given this, it’s a bit surprising to see that this game is actually a 3rd versus 4th place battle with both teams sitting on identical records.

The Ospreys really haven’t travelled well recently having lost their last three games on the road, so whilst I suspect they will cause the Warriors pack some problems, the home side should be strong enough at Scotstoun to pick up the points. Glasgow Warriors by 6.

Ulster vs Zebre
The autumn international break has probably come at a good time for Ulster given they have lost their last three Pro12 games. The fact they now have a home tie against Italian opposition should give them a further boost. Whilst in recent weeks Zebre have beaten Edinburgh, and then Edinburgh beat Ulster… there is nothing beyond a pretty pattern to suggest an upset on the cards here.

Ulster should have too much forward power along with high quality running lines, and the visitors will do well to avoid a heavy defeat. Ulster by 25.

Munster vs Benetton Treviso
Munster are looking to be very serious contenders this season and sit in second position just three points off the top of the Pro12. They have not just been emotionally steamrollering teams recently; they have been playing some really well-structured rugby. For Treviso it is business as usual this season; getting thumped away from home. It’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable bonus point win for the home side who could find themselves top of the table come Saturday night. Munster by 19.

Newport Gwent Dragons vs Edinburgh
Probably not a fixture which will get many pulses racing! Both have been relative under-performers in recent times but can on occasion produce a top performance and unexpected result; indeed that is what they both did in Round 8 where the Dragons beat Connacht and Edinburgh dispatched Ulster. The Scots have not won away from home in the Pro12 since March last year, however that win did come against the Dragons.

So the waters are muddied, and I suspect the bookies will not see much between them either. In the end it will surely come down to which team can get some physical ascendency, and with this in mind Edinburgh just have an edge. Edinburgh by 4.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7