Scarlets vs Benetton Treviso
The Pro12 actions starts on Friday night with Scarlets hot favourites to take full points against the visiting Treviso. The home side are on a strange three match run which has seen each game settled by just a single point. It is unlikely that this trend will continue though; the Scarlets have won their last five games against the Italians and they will be fielding a strong team including returning internationalists Jake Ball, Aled Davies and John Barclay. Treviso continue to improve under new coach Kieran Crowley and there is only one change from their last outing with wing Tommaso Iannone returning.
The Scarlets are likely to be chasing a bonus point win, and with a superior pack and some exciting attacking options this is realistic goal. Scarlets by 12.
Edinburgh vs Connacht
Fresh from their one point victory over the Scarlets, Edinburgh now entertain the other surprise package of this season in Connacht. This game could go a long way to determining the outcome of the top four with Connacht occupying top spot whilst Edinburgh sit in fifth place. The Scots welcome back Matt Scott, Sam Hildago-Clyne and Rory Sutherland from the Scotland squad, and they all go straight in to the team. Connacht have tight-head prop Nathan White returning from international duties, as well as Quinn Roux in the second-row and captain John Muldoon at Number 8.
Although Edinburgh’s team sheet looks stronger than in recent weeks, there is a togetherness about the Connacht team and they keep defying the odds. With their pack strengthened to counter Edinburgh’s scrum strength, the visitors might just squeeze through in what will be an incredibly physical encounter. Connacht by 3.
Ulster vs Zebre
It’s Round 17, but it’s the first time these two teams have met this season. Ulster have suffered two defeats on the trot and have slipped from top to fourth in recent weeks, whilst Zebre have conceded a whacking 130 points in the last three games. The home side make a number of changes to their starting line-up, perhaps most notably the return of captain Rob Herring to the front-row. Zebre have not won away from home in the Pro12 since September 2013 and their injury list is crippling. However Team Manager Andrea De Rossi does welcome back three internationals as Giulio Bisegni, Dario Chistolini and Edoardo Padovani return from Italy’s Six Nations squad.
This game offers Ulster the perfect opportunity to get back on track. They should have little problem in dismantling a Zebre side who are leaking tries all over the place right now. Ulster by 20.
Leinster vs Ospreys
Leinster are still the bookies favourites for the Pro12 title and are well positioned sitting one point off the top with a game in hand. They have only lost once in their last ten league games and beat the Ospreys in early January at the Liberty Stadium 22-9. So logic would tell us that they will win the return leg with a bit to spare. The Ospreys last visit to Ireland though saw them, perhaps unexpectedly, beat Munster, and they have generally travelled quite well this season. The home side make seven changes from their last outing and field a classy looking front-row with Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Mike Ross. Rhys Webb captains the Ospreys who are missing 6 internationalists and have a long injury list.
Although there is little between the sides, home advantage and greater depth in selection could prove crucial in deciding the outcome of this game. Leinster by 6.
Munster vs Dragons
Munster have struggled to get any kind of consistency and as a result are sitting in the top four chasing pack rather than the top four itself. Strangely, their normally rock solid home form has been a bit off this season. It will help them therefore that the Dragons have lost all eight away games in the Pro12 so far and have only a solitary away win over an Irish province since September 2008! Munster have Simon Zebo available to them which will provide extra spark, whilst the Welsh make three changes including the recall of Hallam Amos on the wing.
When the teams met in Round 9, the Dragons deservedly came out on top 22-6. So there will be some pressure on Munster to reverse this result, win this game and keep in touch with the teams above them. On balance their forwards look more capable of delivering a solid platform and a Munster team on the front foot are difficult to stop. Munster by 8.
Glasgow Warriors vs Cardiff Blues
The defending champions have lifted themselves out of the mid-season mire with back to back wins. As a result they have moved up to seventh, and given themselves a shout at chasing down the top four. The Blues are playing some great rugby just now and are always competitive, but do have a tendency to slip up when you least expect it, such as their defeat away to Treviso. That having been said, they will take huge confidence from their impressive win over Ulster last week. Henry Pyrgos will make his 100th appearance for Glasgow upon his injury return, and Mark Bennett and Tim Swinson also play. The Blues include Jarrod Evans at fly-half and the other change is a call up for loose-head prop Thomas Davies.
History favours Glasgow having won their last nine fixtures against Cardiff, and on each of the last three occasions, the Warriors have scored 30+ points. So this may be another high scoring game which the home team will edge. Glasgow Warriors by 4.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images