The Irish provinces get their Pro 12 groove on again

Iain Henderson - one to watch (picture http://bit.ly/XrKGuI)

So the HC is taking a break, bit of a difference going back to the Pro 12. The next big thing to look forward to is the Autumn internationals – where did October go – where did 2012 go? Ireland have a big matches with South Africa and Argentina to look forward to. Ireland have new potential caps with centre Luke Marshall, forward Iain Henderson, prop David Kilcoyne and hooker Richardt Strauss.

Leinster have Cardiff Blues, which should be a good test for them, and hopefully see them notch another point on their upward curve. Would love to see Kearney back, and failing that, Isa at full back please. Leinster by 10.

Ulster go to visit the Dragons, and although winning in Wales is hard, they’re the form team and they should do this, and keep their 100% record. Pienaar and Marshall should be some combination at 10 and 9.

Connacht won’t beat the Ospreys I don’t think, although the Welshmen will be pretty low after a pummeling in the HC. And Munster should continue their renaissance with a win over Zebre at home.

Enjoy the long weekend if you’re Irish!

RaboDirect PRO12
Friday , October 26
Newport-Gwent D'gons vs Ulster 
Edinburgh vs Scarlets 
Munster vs Zebre 
Saturday , October 27
Ospreys vs Connacht 14:30
Benetton Treviso vs Glasgow 18:05
Leinster vs Cardiff Blues 18:30