With all three Celtic nations in Test action over the next three weeks, Round 9 of the Magners League is spread out between this weekend and November 25, starting with three matches this Friday.
Leaders Ulster have a free week so the chasing pack will be looking for the opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table. The second-placed Llanelli Scarlets travel to Border Reivers on Friday night knowing that a big maximum point win could take them above Ulster and into top spot - and the omens are good for the Welsh region.
The Reivers are rooted to the foot of the table with only one win in the league this season, while the Scarlets have never lost to the Scots in their eight previous meetings.
Leinster, who moved into third place after their bonus point win over the Dragons last weekend, will be hoping to further close in on the table-toppers when the Glasgow Warriors travel to Donnybrook, also on Friday. The province have now racked up 11 consecutive home wins while Glasgow have a very poor away form and are without a win on the road since last February.
Friday's third game sees two sides - Newport Gwent Dragons and Edinburgh, who will be smarting from defeat last weekend, meet at Rodney Parade. The Scots will be looking to get back in touch with the top two, and have a good recent record against the Dragons - winning the last four meetings between the outfits.
The action the following weekend is at Cardiff Arms Park where Connacht face the Blues on Saturday evening. Both sides are mid-table and will be keen to restate their title credentials. The Blues will have been buoyed by their win over Edinburgh at Murrayfield last round and with some excellent home league form behind them could leapfrog Connacht, who have only one win in their last six league games, in the league table.
The final game of the round, on Saturday, November 25, will have Munster trying to move away from the bottom end of the table after a disappointing start to their Magners League campaign. They have lost their last three league games which contrasts with opponents, the Ospreys who have won three of their last four league games and will travel to Limerick with the memory of their recent win over the touring Australians still fresh in their minds.
