Following on from some heroic exploits by its teams in the European competitions, the RaboDirect PRO12 returns once again to centre stage, and with the prospect of the festive season upon us all the games this weekend are local derbies.
Italy and Wales host two games before Christmas, with the remainder of the round being played on Boxing/St Stephen’s Day. Aironi welcome Benetton Treviso to the Stadio Zaffanella on Friday, and although the game is being billed as a Charity Day, the hosts will hope to avoid giving away too many points and prevent Benetton Treviso repeating last year’s success.
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There could be an early Christmas present in store at Cardiff City Stadium; whilst Cardiff Blues have not beaten a fellow Welsh Region in 2011, Newport Gwent Dragons last win on Cardiff soil was in 2003, so victory for either side will be seen as a boost.
On Monday there’s an early start to the Boxing Day game in Wales, (2.05pm) Ospreys needing to return with maximum points from Parc y Scarlets in a hope to regain the top spot they lost to Leinster last round. However Scarlets have won their last three home RaboDirect PRO12 games.
It’s East versus West in Scotland when the two Pro sides take to the pitch at Murrayfield. Glasgow Warriors, who currently lie in the final Play-Off spot, will be hoping set a new unbeaten record for the team, however Edinburgh have lost just once at Murrayfield in their last six games.
They will be celebrating St Stephen’s Day in Dublin on Monday, with perhaps even more fervour if Leinster can maintain their place at the top of the RaboDirect PRO12 table by beating fellow Irish Province, Ulster. The omens may favour the home side, but Ulster need to start accumulating the victories if they are to claim a Play-Off spot, although the home of the current European champions is a hard place to come away from with the spoils.
The round wraps up on the West coast of Ireland when Munster welcome Connacht to Thomond Park. Whilst Connacht started the season well, they have slipped down the table, with Munster climbing in the opposite direction to currently sit third a position they are likely to maintain if past results are anything to go by.
