Round 5 sees the last round of RaboDirect PRO12 games before a short break to accommodate European Rugby. Two teams are currently vying for the top of the table, the two points Ospreys dropped in their second round draw with Leinster costing them dear as it hands over the top spot to Glasgow Warriors courtesy of the Scots having won more games.
Ospreys are in action Friday night welcoming last season’s finalists, Ulster to the Liberty Stadium, but Warriors do not play until Saturday, travelling to the west of Wales to face Scarlets. Any slip-up by the top two could let the winner of what will undoubtedly be the game of the round, the interprovincial match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park on Saturday, take over at the top of the table.
The remaining two games on Friday night see both Italian sides in action: Benetton Treviso hosting Connacht at Stadio Monigo, whilst Zebre make their second visit to Wales this season this time to play Newport Gwent Dragons. Zebre currently sit in 10th place in the table, behind Benetton Treviso purely on points difference – just 3 points, or the value of a penalty kick, separating the two teams. Having tasted victory over Cardiff Blues on their last trip to Wales, Zebre will be anxious to repeat the feat, whilst Treviso are building up a reputation as difficult team to beat at home.
The round wraps up on Sunday with the clash of the capital cities – Cardiff Blues facing Edinburgh Rugby at the Arms Park. Neither team has made the start to the season they had perhaps hoped for; victory for either side going into the break will be a welcome bonus.
