The Guinness PRO12 Championship resumes with the focus firmly on the business end of the season as teams compete to reach the Final Series and secure Champions Cup qualification berths
Games take place across all four countries this weekend as players return to their clubs after battling in their national colours during the Six Nations. Just five rounds remain ahead of the Final Series which will decide who will reach the Guinness PRO12 Final in Dublin on May 27.
What’s at Stake?
The competition at the top of the Guinness PRO12 table is intense with leaders Leinster Rugby acutely aware that any slip-up at home to Cardiff Blues will be capitalised on by either Ospreys Rugby or Munster Rugby who both face trips to Italy this weekend.
Behind the top three Ulster Rugby and Scarlets appear to be vying for a top four place but Gregor Townsend’s Glasgow Warriors could yet mount a late charge in order to retain the title they won in 2015 when Connacht Rugby come to town.
Ulster face a tricky trip to face Newport-Gwent Dragons as they look to keep up their superb scoring form which as seen them collect 24 match-day points from a possible 25 in the last five rounds, however, Dragons boast a reasonable overall record against the province with 10 wins from 27.
Scarlets welcome Edinburgh Rugby to Llanelli where they have won seven games in the Guinness PRO12 this season but the visitors will be boosted by the return of their Scottish internationals at they bid to arrest their recent form.
Fixtures – Friday, March 24: Newport-Gwent Dragons v Ulster Rugby (7.35pm); Scarlets v Edinburgh Rugby (7.05pm).
Saturday, March 25: Benetton Rugby Treviso v Ospreys (7.35pm); Glasgow Warriors v Connacht Rugby (5.15pm); Leinster Rugby v Cardiff Blues (3pm); Zebre Rugby v Munster Rugby (3pm).
BENETTON RUGBY TREVISO v OSPREYS RUGBY
At Stadio Monigo, 8.35pm local time (7.35pm UK & Ireland)
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 148th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Rhys Thomas (WRU), Giuseppe Vivarini (FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Maurizio Vancini (FIR)
TMO: Simon McDowell (IRFU)
Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 13, Treviso won 1, Ospreys won 12.
Did you know?
- Benetton Rugby Treviso’s most recent victory in the Guinness PRO12 was 23-12 against Zebre on 23 December.
- Treviso’s other home win in the tournament this season was against Dragons in round 4.
- Ospreys only loss in the last nine rounds of the Guinness PRO12 was 23-25 at home to Munster on 18 February.
- Ospreys have not lost to an Italian side in the PRO12 since a visit to Zebre in May 2014.
- Treviso’s most recent victory over Ospreys was in the European Champions Cup in January 2015, whilst their only win over the Welshmen in the PRO12 was in August 2012.
Top performers
For more Opta statistics visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/powered-by-opta/
The Guinness PRO12 Final takes place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on May 27, 2017. Tickets for the Guinness PRO12 Final are available via ticketmaster.ie with a limited number of great value €35 tickets still remaining. Or get in at the top level with Premium, starting at only €70. www.pro12rugby.com/final