Top two set for Magners League showdown

The countdown to the end of the Magners League season could start in earnest this weekend with Saturday’s top of the table clash at Stradey Park when leaders Leinster face second placed Llanelli Scarlets.

This game can be classed as a real ’10 pointer’, with Leinster either extending their considerable lead, or seeing their rivals for the title start chasing them down.

There is a similar swing of fortunes in prospect at Murrayfield where fourth plays fifth when Cardiff Blues travel to the capital city to face Edinburgh on Friday night. A win is vital for the home side if they are to continue their recent good form and mount a late challenge for the title.

Also on Friday night Connacht will be looking to rewrite over 20 years of history and claim a success against third placed Munster who, with a game in hand over the leaders, are still in the running for two trophies this season, the Magners League and the Heineken Cup.

Friday’s third game will see Ospreys and Ulster meeting for the fourth time this season, an Ulster victory will make it honours shared and keep them clear of the bottom of the table.

Finally in Wales on Sunday victory could see the Newport Gwent Dragons overtake their visitors, Glasgow Warriors, and depending on results elsewhere further their European ambitions by elevating them to the third placed Welsh team.