Round 5 of the RaboDirect PRO12 kicks off on Friday night with the only two teams with a 100 per cent wining record both in action: table toppers Munster travel to Edinburgh, whilst second placed Ospreys host Connacht.
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Champions Munster, having lost out on a new defensive record last week when Cardiff Blues breached their try-line, will be keen to set another this week if they can extend their run of wins to 15 games. History seems to favour the visitors.
Meanwhile at the Liberty Stadium, in what would be one of the Play-Off pairings if the season was to finish now, the records again seem to favour the unbeaten team, as Connacht have not won on Ospreys soil since 2004.
Ulster are the third Irish team in action on Friday night when they also travel to Wales, to take on Newport Gwent Dragons at a refurbished Rodney Parade. Ulster lost their 100 percent winning record last time out, but will be looking for a victory to keep them firmly established in the Play-Off zone.
The three remaining Round 5 games all take place on Saturday, one each in Italy, Wales and Ireland. Italian confidence was boosted last round with both teams winning in the same round for the first time since joining the tournament.
Benetton Treviso have the best chance of repeating that success as they welcome Scarlets to Stadio Monigo, the Welsh Region being subjected to Treviso’s first win of the tournament in the opening round last season.
Airoini on the other hand will need all the confidence last week’s win over Edinburgh can give them as they have to face European Champions, Leinster on their own patch.
The round wraps up with Cardiff Blues facing Glasgow Warriors at the Cardiff City Stadium. Blues’ won 2 lost 2 record sees them just outside the Play-Off zone, whilst Warriros are the wrong end of the table for their liking, so a victory is required for each side – something has to give.
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