It was five out of five correct predictions last week, although a surprise result was avoided due to the cancellation of the Zebre vs Connacht game after 40 minutes.

Leinster vs Ospreys

The Ospreys travel to Dublin for their first big test of the season. Having started with a perfect 15 out of 15 points, it will take a herculean effort to continue this. Stuart Lancaster, Leinster’s new defence coach, will have a big job on his hands this week to come up with a plan for stopping a vibrant Ospreys attack. Leinster will want to gain control up front and concentrate on playing the game in the right area of the pitch. Johnny Sexton is also on the verge of a return following a lengthy injury absence.

This has the potential to be the game of the round if weather conditions are good. Leinster have won their last 16 home games in the Pro12, and although they will be stretched at times, they will be much more organised than anything the Ospreys have faced so far this season. Leinster by 7.

Glasgow Warriors vs Ulster

The unbeaten Ulstermen travel to Scotstoun knowing that it will take a big performance to overcome the Warriors. Glasgow have not lost at home in the Pro12 for over a year and Ulster may be slightly under-cooked having had the easier set of opening games. The home fans will be delighted to welcome back Finn Russell who has been out of action following a serious head knock at the end of last season.

It may be that Ulster can edge the forward battle, particularly in the set-piece, but with the home side keen to inject pace in to the game at every opportunity it will be difficult to keep an exciting back-line quiet. There won’t be much in it after 8o minutes, but home advantage may be enough to see a Warriors win with Ulster picking up a valuable bonus point. Glasgow Warriors by 4.

Treviso vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Treviso were on the end of an Ospreys hiding last week, whilst the Dragons were edged out at home to Munster. The visitors will probably start as favourites, however it is worth bearing in mind that that they haven’t won away from home in the Pro12 since beating Treviso in March 2015. The Dragons are also missing some experienced individuals including captain Lewis Evans and vice-captains Rhys Thomas and Nick Crosswell.

If the Dragons want to do more than occupy 10th place again this season, they really have to be winning this sort of game. However, this is a fixture which the Italians will have been targeting, and they may just want it more. Treviso by 4.

Munster vs Edinburgh

This probably won’t be the most entertaining encounter of the weekend with both sides looking to exert control up front. So it’s likely to be a big physical match-up between the two packs, with Munster prevailing due their more dynamic back-row. Edinburgh historically do not travel well, and their form thus far doesn’t suggest this is suddenly going to change. I would also back the home team to make the right tactical decisions during the game to keep ahead on the scoreboard.

With Munster having won their last nine Pro12 encounters with the Scots, it would take a brave man to bet against them failing to make it ten in a row. Munster by 12.

Zebre vs Cardiff Blues

The Blues less than impressive record in Italy may give some cause for concern; they have only won once on their last seven attempts, and that was in September 2014. However following their fantastic start to the season and in particular their victory over the Warriors last week, this is a Cardiff side with a new found self-belief. Zebre will be smarting from their abandoned game against Connacht when they were leading against the champions.

Assuming there is no over-confidence on their part, the Blues really shouldn’t come unstuck in Italy at the weekend. Cardiff Blues by 14.

Scarlets vs Connacht

Last season’s over-achievers have both had unremarkable starts; having lost all their games! So something must give at Park y Scarlets. With the home side having won the last 11 encounters between the two teams in Wales, history favours the Scarlets.

Both sides are capable of some scintillating rugby, but will the fear of defeat prevent them from playing to their strengths? There won’t be much to separate them on the scoreboard, but the Scarlets look to have a back division which is at least firing sporadically, whereas Connacht’s hasn’t yet turned on the ignition. Scarlets by 6.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7