The New Year thickens the GUINNESS PRO12 plot

All four teams in the play-offs heading into last weekend's action lost and Benetton Treviso, who did not win a PRO12 game before Christmas, completed an Italian double over Zebre.

It has left the table tantalisingly bunched-up with Round 13 just ahead - a crucial weekend before everyone temporarily clocks off for Europe.

One of the most intriguing encounters will be between Connacht and Edinburgh, both teams riding the crest of a wave after beating compatriots Munster and Glasgow Warriors respectively.

Connacht in particular are primed for a play-offs push - currently four points behind fourth-placed Leinster - and are seeking to protect their unbeaten streak at the Sportsground this season.

In Friday's other fixture Glasgow Warriors, who sit in second, are pitted against a Scarlets side that proved they're a match for anyone by putting league leaders Ospreys to the sword last time out.

But the Warriors are a wounded beast after relinquishing the 1872 Cup to Edinburgh - and have a proud 14-game unbeaten GUINNESS PRO12 record to defend at Scotstoun.

Saturday's action opens up at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, as the resurgent Blues aim to make it four PRO12 wins from five.

But Munster stand in their way and Anthony Foley's men will be desperate to post a suitable response to their loss against Connacht - and gain a head of steam ahead of a pivotal two weeks in Europe.

On Sunday Treviso will seek to keep that new-found winning feeling up against Ulster, who slipped out of the top four due to their loss at Leinster last weekend.

And while Ospreys could afford to lose against Scarlets and keep top spot in the GUINNESS PRO12, they'll likely have no such luck this time around should they fall to Newport Gwent Dragons.

The Dragons have not been victorious at the Liberty since October 2010 but have shown they can handle themselves away from home against the league's best already after running the Warriors close in November.

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