And with both Scotland and Wales in test action and Ireland preparing for their first test of the season next week round eight gives all the Celtic League sides the opportunity to show the strength in depth of their squads.
There are three games on Friday night – with the biggest draw looking likely to be the meeting of leaders The Ospreys and The Dragons who are second. The Ospreys may have suffered defeat in Europe but will be looking to increase their 10 point Celtic League lead over their neighbours.
Also on Friday night Connacht, buoyed by their success over Narbonne in the European Challenge Cup, travel to Dublin to face Leinster, whilst the final game sees The Borders continue their search for a first away win in the league when they make the short trip to Hughenden to face Glasgow.
With the test matches on Saturday, the Celtic League is limited to one game with Munster looking to continue their recent fine run of form against Ulster at Ravenhill. The southern province have now won five in a row – including their impressive European wins over Harlequins and the Ospreys – however Ulster have produced five wins in the last six meetings between the sides and will be looking to regain some semblance of home form in the league after losing all three of their home games this term.
The eighth round is completed on Sunday afternoon with Llanelli Scarlets and Cardiff Blues meeting at the Arms Park. Both sides have struggled this year and will be keen to produce a win that will wash away bad European memories and give them an early advantage in the battle to make the top three Welsh teams in the league – thus guaranteeing a Heineken Cup spot next season.
