Ulster are set to see out 2006 on top of the Magners League. The Irish province are seven points clear of their nearest challengers; Llanelli Scarlets and Leinster. Ulster take on Leinster in Dublin on New Year’s Eve in front an expected Magners League record crowd for ‘The Last Stand’ at Lansdowne Road.
Border Reivers keep clear of the Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland when they kick off the weekend’s fixtures, hosting Glasgow Warriors at Netherdale on Friday night. The Reivers will be looking to maintain their home record against the Scottish side.
Elsewhere on Sunday, the Ospreys will again be hoping for a packed house at the Liberty Stadium and another hatful of points when they host Newport Gwent Dragons.
Connacht will be aiming to claw back points from Munster who have now leapfrogged above them in the table, although they have not beaten their visitors since 1986.