Donal Lenihan's URC provincial verdicts

Connacht v Scarlets, Friday 7.35pm

Connacht played very well in defeat to Leinster last week, but had nothing to show for it. Andy Friend's team have played the top four teams in the league so far, but it’s moving time now for Connacht. If they can sharpen up in attack, I think they will beat Scarlets.

There is a buzz still there around their attacking capacity, but they have to improve that. If they can do it, then they are capable of winning.

Verdict: Connacht

Sharks v Ulster, Saturday 5.15pm

It’s a huge game for Ulster and I fear they may be playing the Sharks at the wrong time because all the Springboks are back from the recent Rugby Championship. Captain Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth are in an all-Springbok front five.

Having won in Johannesburg last week, which was a big achievement, a losing bonus point would be a good return for Ulster.

Verdict: Sharks

Leinster v Munster, Saturday 5.15pm

The win over the Bulls was badly needed by Munster. They played better, you could see they were approaching the type of game they want to play under Graham Rowntree and Mike Prendergast, but Leinster are always the team to beat. They remain the only unbeaten team in the competition.

I’ll be very interested to see Munster’s team selection.

The buzz from last week’s performance came from the younger players. You had Thomas Ahern, and Jack Crowley coming off the bench, having returned from the Emerging Ireland tour, and really played well. I’m really excited to see the selection because I think Crowley and Joey Carbery, when Rowntree can get both of them on the field, offer a twin play-making axis which worked well last week.

Regardless of the injury list, Leinster are always difficult to beat. It looks like Johnny Sexton will be playing, and