Following Wales’ loss to Ireland in the first round of the Six Nations, three of their Regions have a chance to avenge the result when they take on Irish opposition as the RaboDirect PRO12 returns after a five week break. All three games are on Friday night; at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff Blues host Leinster, to the west Llanelli is the destination for Connacht, whilst the only Welsh team to travel are reigning champions Ospreys, who visit Ravenhill.
Cardiff Blues are looking to rebuild their fortress at the Arms Park and have won their last three games at the venue, but the visiting European champions, Leinster, will be tough opponents. Scarlets sit just outside the Play-Off Zone, and any points they can take off their visitors Connacht, who do not have a very good record in Wales, will be welcomed. Ulster took over the top of the table after round 5 and have remained there ever since. They have now pulled out an 11 point lead which could stand them in good stead during the international period.
The last game on Friday night is at Rodney Parade where Newport Gwent Dragons host Benetton Treviso. The Italian outfit have a good record against the Dragons, but the Newport Gwent team have picked up positive results in their most recent games outside this tournament.
The two Scottish teams both face away trips, Edinburgh Rugby to Munster on Saturday and Glasgow Warriors face Zebre in Italy on Sunday. Victory over another Italian opponent, Benetton Treviso, in the last round lifted Warriors to second place in the table, the highest position they’ve held all season, whilst conversely Munster’s loss to Cardiff Blues saw them drop out of the Play-Off zone. With just four points separating the second to sixth placed teams, the challenge for the Play-Off spots is really on.
