The last round of RaboDirect PRO12 before the start of the 6Nations opens on Friday night at Rodney Parade where second placed Ospreys will be looking to consolidate their Play-Off place with a victory over Newport Gwent Dragons. Ospreys however have only won once at the venue since the Regions were formed in 2003.
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Also on Friday night Edinburgh Rugby welcome Ulster to Murrayfield, a ground where the hosts are building a good home record; Ulster on the other hand are finding it difficult to gather points on the road this season.
The remaining fixtures all take place on Saturday, starting with Aironi’s game against Connacht in Viadana. If the Italian outfit are to improve on last season’s final standing, a repeat of their previous victory in this fixture could see them move off the bottom of the table, other results permitting.
There are two games in Wales on Saturday, Cardiff Blues hosting table-topping Leinster whilst Glasgow Warriors visit Scarlets. Warriors, along with Munster, were the only two teams who changed places in the table after the last round, the Glasgow outfit’s victory over Edinburgh lifting them above the Munstermen in the Play-Off Zone.
Fifth placed Cardiff Blues still have a game in hand over their nearest rivals, but any slip up to the leaders could see the gap between themselves and the Play–Off zone widen, something Blues will hope to avoid going into the break.
Finally Munster, looking to bounce back from defeat in Ulster, welcome Benetton Terviso to Thomond Park. The Italian side may have won three of their last four matches away from home, but face formidable opposition both on and off the pitch in Limerick.
