Five out of six games were predicted correctly again last week, with the gamble of picking the Dragons to beat an under-strength Glasgow not paying off. This week sees the Pro12’s first ‘Big Weekend’ with some of the biggest rivalries being played out in Wales and Ireland. What’s your take on the Round 6 games?

Connacht vs Ulster

The defending champions welcome league leaders Ulster, who are now the only unbeaten team in the Pro12. Connacht will have been delighted to finally win their first game of the season last week at home to Edinburgh, but they will find things ten time tougher against their visitors on Friday. Ulster have developed a winning habit, even when they not at their best; their victory over the Ospreys last week was testament to their character and willpower.

It will be a battle royal up front, where over the 80 minutes I would expect Ulster to gradually gain the upper-hand. Ulster by 3.

Edinburgh vs Benetton Treviso

The home side have now lost four games on the bounce, their Head Coach has resigned and they are clearly struggling to find any form. So it probably comes as some relief to have a home game against Italian opposition this weekend. That having been said, Treviso will be targeting a win from this game themselves.

It probably won’t be pretty, nor will it be convincing, but I do expect Edinburgh to bring their losing streak to an end. Edinburgh by 7.

Ospreys vs Cardiff Blues

This is a tasty looking fixture for a Friday night at the Liberty Stadium. History is on the side of the Ospreys who have beaten the Blues in the last ten Pro12 meetings. Both sides have started this campaign brightly despite their defeats last weekend. The Blues will be missing Sam Warburton following his cheekbone fracture.

Two very attack-minded sides in what could be an open and high scoring game. Both sides will score tries, but perhaps Ospreys have a little more sparkle fuelled by a very strong half-back partnership. Ospreys by 6.

Leinster vs Munster

With both teams having won four out of their five games, this is a much anticipated clash which should be played in front of a huge crowd at the Aviva stadium. There is very little to choose between the sides, with both provinces having shown significant strength up front in their games to date. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the back-row battle pans out as this will have a big influence on the outcome.

Leinster will be missing Dave Kearney and Fergus McFadden who picked up knocks in their away win at Cardiff last week, whereas the influential Peter O’Mahony may start for Munster following a prolonged absence. With perhaps a little bit more guile at stand-off to shape the game, I’m going for a narrow Leinster win. Leinster by 4.

Zebre vs Glasgow Warriors

It’s been another tough start to the Pro12 for Zebre who sit rooted to the foot of the table; the only team without a win. Glasgow came from behind to beat the Dragons last week, and will again have to field a team missing a number of first choice forwards. Despite this, they should still have too much strength and depth to slip up here. Glasgow Warriors by 7.

Scarlets vs Newport Gwent Dragons

Having lost their opening three games, the Scarlets rebounded with back to back wins against Connacht and Treviso. The Dragons ran the Warriors close last week, but still looked quite sluggish and uncreative in attack. Their only victory on Scarlets soil since the regions were formed was way back in 2007, so the omens are not good for the Dragons! With greater power and pace, this fixture should allow the Scarlets to continue the recovery and record their third victory in a row. Scarlets by 13.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7