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The Six Nations takes a break this weekend. This sees extra importance placed on the Guinness Pro 12, but despite players being free to appear for their Celtic or Italian teams the reality is few sides named resemble full strength.
There are three each matches on Friday and Saturday this weekend. Round 17 will get underway with Connacht facing Zebre. Starting up front for the Italians will be former Puma front row Bruno Postiglioni. Also starting is uncapped Argentine Serafin Bordoli. He is to start at flyhalf.
Italy’s other Pro 12 side will also play on Friday. Benetton Treviso will play away to Ulster in Belfast. Starting for the home side will be the USA-eligible Callum Black. The veteran has been named at loosehead prop. Starting at no8 for the visitors will be Robert Barbieri, one of the big names lost to Canada. He is capped by Italy.
Friday’s remaining match will see Edinburgh at home to the Ospreys. The Welsh region’s starting lineup features two forwards from the Americas. Canadian utility forward Tyler Ardron will start that match in the second row while Ohio-born Sam Underwill is to play flanker. Underhill is expected to be capped by England sooner than later.
Closing out Week 17 will be Leinster and the Scarlets. Playing in his final season in Wales is DTH van der Merwe. The Canadian has been named once again to start on the left wing. A win for the Scarlets would see the club edge closer to securing a playoff appearance. Currently the team is in fourth spot.
