The focus turns once again to the RaboDirect PRO12 this weekend, with Ulster leading the table courtesy of their unbeaten run so far this season. They travel to Rodney Parade on Friday night to face a Newport Gwent Dragons team who are uncomfortably sat at the wrong end of the table, although at this stage in the season there are only 5 points, or a try bonus point win, between the Men from Gwent and 5thplaced Munster.
Also on Friday night second placed Scarlets travel to Edinburgh and must be hoping to recapture the form that saw them as early leaders of the competition, winning 3 from 3 in the opening rounds. However their record in Edinburgh is not encouraging for the team from Llanelli.
The final game on Friday sees Munster hosting Italian newcomers, Zebre, at Thomond Park, a ground where the home team have won all their games so far this season.
There are three games on Saturday, starting when the reigning champions, Ospreys, welcome Connacht to the Liberty Stadium, a venue where the visitors have never won. Ospreys are one of three teams on 14 points, just outside the Play-Off Zone, alongside Munster and Cardiff Blues.
Blues are also in action on Saturday, facing the European champions, Leinster, in their own home, but the Welsh region can take heart from the fact they have won both away games in the RaboDirect PRO12 so far this season.
The final game of the round takes place at Stadio Monigo in Italy, when third placed Glasgow Warriors, who are the opponents for Benetton Treviso, must be looking to repeat last season’s away success.
