The Guinness Pro12 resumes this weekend, and the league could not be closer with the top six separated by just four points. In Round 7 there are certainly a few games which could create a bit of disagreement about the outcome!

Ulster vs Munster

Probably the most interesting of the games; Ulster have a great Pro12 home record but have not been firing on all cylinders in attack. Despite edging out Exeter in the Champions Cup they will have been concerned that despite dominating territory and possession they were unable to add to an early Sean Reidy try.

Much may depend on how Munster can react to the inevitable low following all the emotion of last weekend, and in this respect it is difficult to see the visitors reproducing anywhere near a similar level of performance. It will be hard and attritional but the home side should just edge it. Ulster by 7.

Cardiff Blues vs Scarlets

Another tricky game to call. After making such a strong start to the season, the Blues were well beaten by the Ospreys in their last Pro12 run-out, whilst the Scarlets will be looking for their fourth league win on the trot after making a very poor start. With this being a Friday night game and Scarlets having to make an extra quick recovery from their difficult trip to Saracens at the weekend, I’m going to plump for a narrow Blues victory. Cardiff Blues by 3.

Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton Treviso

The Warriors performance against Munster was pretty dreadful, and although many will feel that they were always going to be the emotional crash test dummies last Saturday, Gregor Townsend was clearly very unhappy with the level of intensity from his team. Treviso are looking like the better of the two Italian teams this season, but have not been able to seriously challenge away from home.

Expect to see a very different line-up to last weekend for both sides, with the Warriors picking up a bonus point win. Glasgow Warriors by 20.

Edinburgh vs Zebre

The home side were in sparkling form in their 36-35 win over Harlequins in the Challenge Cup, whilst Zebre managed to leak a staggering 134 points in their two European games.

It looks like a fairly comfortable home win with some of the Edinburgh youngsters such as Blair Kinghorn, Damian Hoyland and Hamish Watson enjoying the ‘attacking’ brand of rugby which seems to be encouraged under new Head Coach Duncan Hodge. Zebre’s best hope is to unsettle the home side by being very physical; realistically though, they will need to take every opportunity which presents itself even just to stay in the game. Edinburgh by 18.

Ospreys vs Newport Gwent Dragons

The Ospreys are in a rich vein of form just now, and there is great excitement about 18 year old Keelan Giles following his hat-trick of tries against Lyon. It is likely that the Ospreys back-line will have far too much for the Dragons defence to handle, and up front the home side would appear to have an advantage as well. The Dragons will upset some of the bigger teams from time to time – but not on this occasion. Ospreys by 15.

Leinster vs Connacht

Leinster had a bruising encounter away to Montpellier on Sunday and won’t particularly be looking forward to a visit from a revitalised Connacht side. In a repeat of last year’s Pro12 final, the home side will, however, probably start as favourites; their forward power and improved defensive structures are likely to frustrate their opponents. Connacht will not be afraid to throw the ball around and will always seek to play in a very positive manner, but they will need a very big performance up front to match Leinster.

The RDS Arena in a notoriously difficult place for visiting teams in the Pro12, and this could be the deciding factor. Leinster by 5.

By Keith Mackenzie
Follow Keith on Twitter: @Keith_Mack7