RaboDirect PRO12 Round 17 Previews: Connacht, Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Glasgow Warriors, Newport Gwent Dragons, Benetton Treviso, Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Aironi: Includes 12 Page Review

With just six complete rounds of the RaboDirect PRO12 left, the race for the Play-Offs is well and truly on. Whilst Leinster are forging ahead with an 11 point lead at the top of the table, the fight for the second home Play-Off spot is intense with six of the chasing pack still in with a realistic chance of landing a coveted home tie.

The match of the round must be 4th placed Glasgow Warriors trip to Ospreys on Friday night; any slip up by the visitors could, other results permitting, see them drop out of the Play-Off zone completely, a victory would see them snapping at the heels of their rivals.
CLICK HERE FOR 12 For full match previews and updated tables PD file
Two other contenders for a top four finish are also in action on Friday night, Ulster and Scarlets. Both are at home facing opposition from the lower reaches of the tables, and will be looking to claim the match points in their own fight for the Play-Offs.

Cardiff Blues and Munster, the two teams in the top half of the table each with a game still in hand, both play on Saturday, Blues travelling to Italy and Munster to Wales. They then have a chance to cash in on that game in hand as both will play their rearranged fixtures before Round 18.

The top two teams have remained in the same position since round 10, whilst the same four teams have been in the Play-Off Zone since round 8, with just Munster and Glasgow Warriors swapping third and fourth positions over the weeks, but not being able to claim a potential home Play–Off spot during that time.

For full match previews and updated tables see attached PDF file