RaboDirect PRO12 Previews Round 9

Round 9 of the RaboDirect Pro12, the last round of games before the return of European competition, is evenly split with three games on Friday night and three on Saturday.

Table topping Munster must be wary on their Friday night trip to Wales as their opponents, Newport Gwent Dragons, defeated Glasgow Warriors at their fortress home of Scotstoun last time out. Munster are building up a good lead at the top of the table, they are already 4 points and 2 wins clear of their nearest rivals whilst just two points separate the next four teams in the table.

Two of those four teams face each other also on Friday night when second placed Ospreys host fourth in the table Glasgow Warriors at the Liberty Stadium. Success for the visitors could see them leap-frog over their hosts in the rankings

Elsewhere champions Leinster welcome Scarlets to the RDS in Dublin on Saturday; the visitors keen to avoid any loss if they are to maintain their push for the Play-offs, whilst Ulster are on the road to Italy to face Zebre. The Irish province broke Zebre hearts last year when a penalty try 5 minutes from time secured them the points denying Zebre a first victory in the RaboDirect PRO12.