Round 20 of the Pro12 Rugby saw all results go as was widely expected leaving the competition poised for an exciting final few rounds. At the top of the table Leinster, Connacht and Glasgow all recorded impressive bonus point victories. These results see the race for a home semi-final whittle down to just these three teams with fourth placed Ulster six points adrift of Glasgow in third. Leinster's win sees them retain first place while remaining on equal match points with Connacht. Connacht face the Warriors in the final round of the competition in what will more than likely be a play-off for a home play-off semi-final.
The three top sides wins had a sizeable impact on the race for the final play-off spot and the remaining Champions Cup qualifying spots with a lot of movement taking place from 4th to 7th in the league table. Glasgow earned an important win over the Scarlets in Wales, the Warriors let loose to completely dominate proceedings at Parc y Scarlets and leaving Pivac's side in fifth place two points shy of Ulster. Tommy Bowe scored a brace in his return to competitive action against Zebre as Ulster racked up an impressive 47-17 win over Zebre. The win, combined with the Scarlets hefty defeat to Glasgow, sees Les Kiss' mean move into a commanding lead over the Welsh region and into fourth position.
Edinburgh managed to earn a vital losing bonus point at the RDS despite a strong bonus point win from Leinster. The losing bonus point sees Edinburgh move into 6th place at Munster's expense. Anthony Foley's side fell victim to the enduring class of Connacht at the Sportsgrounds, failing to pick up any points as Connacht earned a bonus point win. Munster's drop to 7th place comes just before they face their usurpers, Edinburgh, at Irish Independent Park in Round 21. Both sides are firmly in the hunt for sixth place, the winner in Cork will prove crucial in deciding who finishes the season there.
Edinburgh have their fate completely in their own hands as they face both their rivals for sixth place in their remaining fixtures. After facing Munster the Scotsmen will host Cardiff in a game which could be a play-off for a Champions Cup spot if both sides can get a win in Round 21. The Blues defeated the Dragons at the Arms Park this weekend, but will face a tough clash with the Ospreys before their potentially crucial clash against Edinburgh. The Ospreys took the full points on offer against Treviso to give themselves a chance of Champions Cup rugby next season, however they need many results to go their way if they are to have any chance of qualifying.
Round 20 Full Results:
Leinster 30 - 23 Edinburgh
Ospreys 47 - 10 Treviso
Scarlets 10 - 46 Glasgow
Zebre 17 - 47 Ulster
Connacht 35 - 14 Munster
Cardiff 28 - 8 Dragons
Round 21 Fixtures:
Treviso v Connacht
Glasgow v Zebre
Munster v Edinburgh
Cardiff v Ospreys
Ulster v Leinster
Dragons v Scarlets
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