Guinness PRO12: Round 6

This weekend sees action in Round 6 of the Guinness PRO12 and is the last round of action before a few weeks break as we head into the initial stages of the European Professional Rugby Cup competitions – with the Champion and Challenge Cup matches kicking off next weekend.

There has already been two Round 6 PRO12 matches this weekend (Friday night) while there will be a further three on Saturday and the last match of the Round is due to be played on Sunday.

In a rather dull, stop-start,  affair Irish province Munster completed a relatively comfortable home win against Welsh region Lllanelli Scarlets, with flyhalf JJ Hanrahan contributing 12 points via the boot. There was only a solitary try in the match, scored by Munster. The Scarlets reply was a paltry two penalties. It was interesting to note one South African replace another at lock for the Scarlets as George Earle came on during the second half for Joe Snyman.

In a low scoring match there was also a win for the other Irish province playing last night as Connacht, who were away from home against Treviso, picked up their forth win of the season.

The pick of Saturday’s matches will arguably in Belfast where 3rd placed (at the start of the Round) Ulster host unbeaten table toppers Glasgow Warriors. The other two matches will see mid-table teams face teams in the lower end of the table as 8th placed Newport Gwent Dragons travel to Murrayfield to play 10th placed Edinburgh while 7th placed Leinster travel to Italy to face 11th placed Zebre. The match in Edinburgh could turn out to be a close affair while Leinster should prove too strong for Zebre who might offer some initial resistance.

Sunday’s match will be a big Welsh derby as the high flying Ospreys host Cardiff Blues. The Ospreys are currently 2nd on the table and should maintain their unbeaten status in the PRO12 this season.

Fixtures and Results