Still plenty to be decided in the final weekend of Pro12 games

As we make our way into the final weekend of games in the Pro12 there are still a few things to be confirmed for the play-offs and next seasons Champions Cup. One certain thing is that we will see a new champion after reigning champions Leinster failed to make it to the play-offs after what has been a less than impressive season for Matt O’Connor’s side. We know that Ospreys, Ulster, Munster and Glasgow Warriors have qualified for the semi-finals next weekend but this weekends game will decide which two sides have home ties. Ospreys go into Saturday’s games top of the pile and are level on points with Glasgow and Munster but have a better points difference than Glasgow and have won more games than Munster. Ulster complete the foursome and are one point behind the other three sides.

As it stands Munster seem like the favourites to finish top of the table come the end of Saturday’s game as they host the Dragons. With Anthony Foley naming a strong side you would expect Munster to secure maximum points against the Welshside. You would fancy Ospreys to secure the second semi-final place but they face a difficult enough task away to Connacht. Connacht will look to secure a Champions Cup play-off against Gloucester with a win and if they are to come undone by Ospreys, Edinburgh can secure 7th spot if they are able to defeat Leinster at Murrayfield.

If Ospreys or Munster suffer shock defeats then Glasgow or Ulster can swoop in and secure a home semi-final. The two meet at Scotstoun in what is surely the game of the day in the Pro12. After making the final last year, Glasgow know how important a home semi-final will be. As for Ulster with the final at the Kingspan Stadium this season, they would fancy themselves winning the Pro12 with two games at home. That is if they are able to come away from Scotstoun with a win.

The remaining two games see’s the two Italian sides Treviso and Zebre battle it out for a place in next seasons Champions Cup. Treviso currently have a three point lead over their Italian rivals but they face a Scarlets side who just need a point to secure 6th place and a Champions Cup spot. Zebre will travel to Cardiff Blues knowing that a win against the Welshside could be enough to secure them a Champions Cup spot and ensure that Treviso finish bottom of the table.

These end of season games are also so exciting and there is expected to be plenty of twists and turns throughout the afternoon with all the teams involved hoping that they can win their games and that other results go their way.