The new bonus points system has led to an intriguing finish to this year’s pool stage.
Including bonus points, a possible 10 points are still up for grabs – and several Welsh sides still have every opportunity of making it into the knockout stages.
Neath are battling with Edinburgh and Munster to top Pool A.
Lyn Jones’s men are in confident mood, and the defensive steel they have shown this season may not have pleased the fans, but the Gnoll faithful will certainly be pleased with quarter-final qualification. A home victory over Munster this weekend will ensure that end.
The big game in Pool A this weekend is Llanelli vs Swansea at Stradey Park.
The loser will be almost certainly be out of the championship – a disappointing outcome for either of these two clubs whose tradition demands more. Llanelli travel to Ulster, and Swansea host Ebbw Vale in the final round on 26th October.
Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly are out, but now have the Welsh Premiership and Parker Pen Challege cup to focus on.
In Pool B, Pontypridd are close to joining Connacht in the final eight. The Valley Commandos travel to Connacht this weekend.
Glasgow are still in with a shout, but need a victory against Borders or Connacht to secure qualification.
Cardiff host Bridgend this weekend in a critical match-up, with the winner in pole position to grab fourth spot. Cardiff will be desperate to beat the Ravens as their final game is a tough away match at Pontypridd, while Bridgend host Leinster in their final Pool match on 26th October.
Newport, with five defeats in five games, have been eliminated.
