Friday Guinness PRO14 Preview
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Connacht vs. Benetton
The Western province are in third in Conference A with only four rounds of play remaining in the regular campaign. Connacht must win tonight to keep their hopes of a playoff spot alive. They welcome Benetton to the Sportsground who are currently having their best ever season. The Italians have won 10 games this season and remain second in Conference B. Head Coach Kieran Crowley has named six of his returning Italian Six Nations players for the trip to Galway in what promises to be a thriller.
Cardiff vs. Scarlets
The Welsh encounter sees both sides battling for a spot in the end of season Final series as the Blues and Scarlets go head to head in Cardiff. The Blues are currently in fourth spot in Conference A, level on points with third place Connacht, while the Scarlets are in fourth in Conference B but have four point to make up on third spot overall. The return of Welsh Grand Slam winners to both sides is sure to make this an exciting clash.
Edinburgh vs. Leinster
The home side host the four times European champions at Murrayfield. Richard Cockerill has named a close to full strength team with the inclusion of former Scotland captain John Barclay, who will make his debut for the capital club. Paired in a formidable back row with Fijian superstar Bill Mata and Scotland powerhouse Hamish Watson, the back row battle is worth the entrance fee alone as Leinster line out with Rhys Ruddock, Dan Leavy and No. 8 Max Deegan. Edinburgh are fifth in Conference B and are aiming to kickstart their tilt towards a place in the playoffs tonight. Leinster sit very comfortable on top of Conference A and Leo Cullen takes a step closer to retaining their league title.