Derby games will make headlines as the next Guinness PRO12 Big Weekend takes place across Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The traditional rivalries always add to the intensity and many of the teams are going into this round off the back of some strong form in European competition.
What’s at Stake
Round 11 takes place across the Festive period and the first Italian derby of the season is just one of the many highlights. Zebre Rugby completed the double over Benetton Rugby Treviso last year and Kieran Crowley’s team will be eager to stop that trend in front of a big crowd at Stadio Monigo which will be shown live on Eurosport Italia.
Connacht will travel to Belfast to take on Ulster at Kingspan Stadium where they are still seeking their first victory since 1960 and both teams will be battle-hardened after strong performances in Europe.
Cardiff Blues and Newport-Gwent Dragons will be eager to shake some unwanted runs of form with neither having won against another Welsh region this season while Glasgow Warriors arrive at BT Murrayfield for the 1872 Cup eager to claim their first win in the Scottish capital since 2013.
Scarlets will face a daunting task when they make the short trip east to take on Ospreys at Liberty Stadium where the home team have won every game this season with a try-bonus point. However, Scarlets are serious form at the moment having won their previous last seven games in the Championship.
Fixtures
Friday, December 23:
Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby (7.35pm); Benetton Rugby Treviso (7.35pm local).
Monday, December 26:
Cardiff Blues v Newport-Gwent Dragons (2.05pm); Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors (4.05pm); Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby (5.30pm).
Tuesday, December 27: Ospreys Rugby v Scarlets (3pm).
OSPREYS RUGBY v SCARLETS
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 17th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Dan Jones, Wayne Davies (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)
Overall Guinness PRO12 head to head record:
Played 26, Ospreys won 17, Scarlets won 8 with 1 game drawn.
Did you know?
- Ospreys have won their last five matches in all competitions and in the Guinness PRO12 have lost just one of their last five: 0-33 in Munster in round 8.
- Ospreys are the best home side in the PRO12 this season having recorded a perfect five maximum point victories.
- Scarlets have won their last seven Guinness PRO12 matches, their best ever run in a single season, and have picked up 24 out of a possible 25 league points from their last five Championship games.
- Last season each side won at their opponent’s home ground in the PRO12, Scarlets triumphing at Liberty Stadium for the first time since 2007.
Top performers
For more Opta statistics visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/powered-by-opta/
Buy tickets for the BIG one on Tuesday 27th December at www.ospreysrugby.com/buytickets