Ulster vs Cardiff Blues

Ulster have everything to play for in the next four games, and can’t afford to slip up in this one if they want to secure a play-off spot. Cardiff’s season has fizzled out over recent weeks, so it’s really difficult to see past a home win. Ulster by 16.

Edinburgh vs Connacht

Here are two sides both playing some good rugby, but whilst Connacht have won four of their last five, Edinburgh can’t seem to stop losing in the Pro12; their departure from the European Challenge Cup last weekend signaled the end of anything meaningful for the Scots to play for this season. Strangely though, I think they may just hold an edge up front and deliver an unexpected narrow win on Friday night. Edinburgh by 4.

Zebre vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Neither side need any more than one hand to count their Pro12 wins this season, and this probably explains why it is not a match that many outside the two supporter bases will get very excited about. Home advantage could be important here, and the Italians have come close to beating Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Scarlets on their own patch this season….this might just be the one. Zebre by 3.

Ospreys vs Leinster

This looks a tasty game between first and third. The Ospreys will be hoping to recover quickly from their European exit, and before that, their inexplicable defeat to Treviso. Leinster, in the meantime, look stronger with every outing. Having dispatched a very good Wasps side in the Champions Cup, they will travel to the Liberty Stadium with huge confidence. Having said this, I think the Ospreys will have received the proverbial ‘rocket’ this week from the coaching team, and with Leinster sitting pretty comfortably in one of the two home semi-final’ spots, perhaps the Welsh have more to lose. Ospreys by 5.

Munster vs Glasgow Warriors

These two are familiar foes, and their encounters this season have been quite spicy. It will be another attritional battle, where Munster will have a small edge up front. With both sides having very different European experiences last week, it is the home side who will be feeling much better about themselves. It’s last chance saloon for the Warriors in the Pro12 this season; sadly I think their involvement at the sharp end of the table will end on Saturday evening. Munster by 8.

Scarlets vs Benetton Treviso

Scarlets simply have to keep wining if they want that last semi-final position. Despite Treviso’s recent impressive victory over the Ospreys, I don’t believe they have what it takes to produce this again, particularly away from home. With such an attack-minded back division, the home side will win with lots to spare and a try bonus point. Scarlets by 35.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7