Some talking points ahead of this weekends Pro12 action.

Could Edinburgh find themselves in the top 6 come the end of the weekend

After two impressive performances against the Scarlets and London Irish in the Challenge Cup, Edinburgh go into this weekends games as one of the form sides in the league. With the battle for the 6th and final spot in next season’s Champions Cup heating up Edinburgh could find themselves in the top 6 with a win against Munster. It will be a difficult game for the Scottish side but after enjoying a fine home record this season it won’t be easy for Munster to come away from Murrayfield with a win. With Connacht currently in 6th, Edinburgh will be hoping that Ulster can do them a favour and defeat Pat Lam’s side at the Sportsground.

Will Matt O’Connor regret not playing a stronger side against the Dragons

With games running out for Leinster to secure a semi-final spot the game against Dragons is a must win. With the Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon next weekend, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor has opted to ring in the changes making 12 changes from the side that defeated Bath last weekend. There is no room in the matchday squad for the likes of Heaslip, O’Brien, Healy and Madigan and the question is whether this Leinster side is good enough to beat a Dragons side full of confidence after defeating Cardiff Blues in the Challenge Cup quarter-final and also the same side who won at the RDS in February. If Leinster fail to pick up a win they could find themselves 8 points off 4th spot and with three games remaining a semi-final spot may be out of the question.

Henry to make first start in 5 months

After recovering from heart surgery, Chris Henry will be making his first start for Ulster in 5 months when he takes to the field against Connacht this weekend. In what is a huge game for both sides Henry will be delighted to back in a white shirt and will look to be instrumental in Ulster securing a top four finish. Henry will also look to impress Joe Schmidt as he looks to secure a place in Ireland’s World Cup squad. With Henry missing the entire 6 Nations these last few games of the season will be crucial in showing Joe Schmidt that he is back to his best and to save a spot for him in the squad.

Ciaran Fallon