Munster vs Zebre
These sides have met seven times in the Pro12, with Munster winning them all. With Donnacha Ryan, Tommy O’Donnell, Keith Earls and Simon Zebo all starting, and with Conor Murray and CJ Stander named amongst the replacements there is little to suggest this trend will change tomorrow night. Zebre include nine international players in their line-up including Glasgow bound Leonardo Sarto on the wing and Kelly Haimona at fly-half. This will make a difference to a team which has struggled during the Six Nations window, but not enough of a difference.
Munster will have too much power for Zebre, plus they simply must win to keep in touch with the play-off places. Expect to see a comfortable victory with a bonus point bagged as well. Munster by 20.
Cardiff Blues vs Benetton Treviso
Surprisingly, Cardiff Blues have won only one of their last four fixtures against Benetton Treviso. It is difficult to imagine that they won’t chalk up another victory though, particularly when they are recalling Welsh internationalists Gethin Jenkins, Sam Warburton, Gareth Anscombe and Tom James. All of them start. Treviso make just three changes from their last run out against Scarlets when they performed well in a 24-15 defeat.
Blues Head Coach Danny Wilson has said that he wants his team to maintain their strong home form and expects nothing less than a victory. Despite their poor record against Treviso, the Blues will not slip up again. A strong looking pack and a set of backs that can score tries for fun should earn the Blues a bonus point win. Cardiff Blues by 15.
Glasgow Warriors vs Ulster
Ulster won 13-10 when these two teams met in Round 14 and this was Glasgow’s last defeat in the Pro12. If the Scots win this match they are right back in the mix for a play-off place, having almost looked out of it a month ago. The home side field a team packed with players returning from the Six Nations, including player of the tournament Stuart Hogg. Ulster will be delighted to see the returning Iain Henderson, and he is joined in a powerful back-row by Chris Henry and Nick Williams.
The Warriors back division looks incredibly strong, but the forecast is for wet weather and this might suit the visitors. Whatever the weather holds, this is going to be a close one with the spoils going to the team that can win the physical battle. The reigning champions should just edge it. Glasgow Warriors by 3.
Ospreys vs Scarlets
It’s 2007 since the Scarlets last beat the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium and the Ospreys have only lost once in the last seven meetings between these two teams. The home side are likely to be strengthened by some returning international players, and this will give them the advantage, particularly up front.
This game represents the absolute ‘last chance saloon’ as far as top four finishing for the Ospreys are concerned, but realistically they are now more focused on chasing a European Champions Cup place. The Scarlets have a tough run-in over the last five games, so anything they can take from this game could prove important.
With home advantage, the Ospreys will come out on top, with the Scarlets picking up a valuable losing bonus. Ospreys by 5.
Connacht vs Leinster
It’s got to be the game of the round in the Pro12 as the top two go head to head at the Sportsground. The result of the game is unlikely to determine the winners of the league in the regular season, but it will do much to secure their play-off position. Connacht have won their last six games, and have picked up a bonus point in five of those games, this is a team in great form! Home advantage will be important, but perhaps this is just about cancelled out by Leinster’s mass of returning internationalists.
And it is the returning forwards that will give the visitors the upper hand at the breakdown and in the set piece. If Leinster can limit Connacht’s possession, then they will be in a good position to win the game. Leinster by 6.
Newport Gwent Dragons vs Edinburgh
The home side have lost their last five Pro12 games whilst Edinburgh have only won one game in their last six. So two teams desperately trying to find some form here. If Edinburgh lose that can forget any lingering hopes of a top four slot, so there is no lack of incentive for them. However, they don’t travel well and the Dragons are capable of producing one-off performances which belies their league position.
With this in mind, the game has got ‘upset’ written all over it. Newport Gwent Dragons by 5.
By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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