Some talking points ahead of this weekends Pro12 games

Are Leinster about to surrender their title?

With reigning champions Leinster 8 points off fourth place Ospreys, they travel to Ulster needing a win to keep alive their slim chances of a top four finish. With only three games remaining, Matt O’Connor’s side need a minor miracle if they are going to secure a place in the semi-finals. With the Ospreys playing an out of form Cardiff Blues on Saturday, Leinster will know that a win is a must and with every point being so important at this late stage of the season a four try bonus point might be needed at the Kingspan Stadium.

Who will be in 6th spot by the end of the weekend?

With three games remaining, the battle for the final Champions Cup spot is heating up with Connacht currently holding the position. Scarlets only remain behind them on points difference, with Edinburgh only a point behind the two sides. The Scottish side will look to move up into 6th as they take on Zebre in Murrayfield with Connacht and the Scarlets facing difficult games against Glasgow Warriors and The Dragons. 6th spot will not be decided this weekend but with few games left each side cannot afford any slip-ups.

Can Cardiff Blues cause an upset on Judgment Day?

After what has been a disappointing season for the Cardiff Blues, can they earn a morale-boosting win against Ospreys at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. With Cardiff Blues currently third from bottom they have endured one of their worst seasons in the Pro12 and will look to finish the season on a high starting with a win against the Ospreys. As for the Ospreys they are not just looking for the win for bragging rights. If Leinster slip-up against Ulster on Friday a win for them would secure them a top four finish with two games left to play.

Ciaran Fallon