GUINNESS PRO12 lights up international stage

League action returns this weekend with some mouth-watering clashes - unbeaten Ospreys' trip to Ulster arguably top of the pile - but the international action continues.

And if trends are to continue, Glasgow Warriors will be well represented when Scotland host Tonga in Kilmarnock.

Vern Cotter's side started the month with a 41-31 victory over Argentina as four Warriors - Jonny Gray, Sean Maitland, Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour crossed over, before Seymour dotted down as they gave world champions New Zealand a scare despite a loss next time out.

With his squad so well represented by Scotland, Gregor Townsend will be calling on the cavalry when Glasgow visit the Scarlets on Friday night.

Cardiff Blues will be without the prolific Alex Cuthbert when they visit Edinburgh to wrap up the weekend's action on Sunday, chasing a second GUINNESS PRO12 win of the season.

Cuthbert scored for Wales both in a narrow defeat to Australia - as did Ospreys starts Rhys Webb and Alun Wyn Jones - and victory over Fiji.

Zebre and Benetton Treviso - facing Irish duo Connacht and Leinster respectively this weekend - were well represented in Italy's outings over the last fortnight.

Treviso flanker Simone Favaro got on the scoresheet in victory over Samoa as debutant Kelly Haimona - signed by Zebre this summer - kicked 14 points and then matched that tally in narrow defeat to Argentina.

And Munster, who travel to Rodney Parade on Friday night, were well represented in Ireland's thrashing of Georgia on Sunday, full-back Felix Jones leading the way with a brace.

Simon Zebo and Dave Kilcoyne, with Richardt Strauss and Stuart Olding completing the rout, while Leinster's Rhys Ruddock and Ulster wing Tommy Bowe scored in their 29-15 triumph over South Africa the previous weekend.

It is all to play for in round eight with ample young talent ready to step up - as evidenced in last weekend's all-Welsh LV= Cup double header - and all 12 clubs knowing every point is valuable.

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