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Rugby

06th May 2017

Munster and Leinster’s PRO12 semi-final opponents and dates confirmed

One game away from the Aviva

Patrick McCarry

We’ll give you a hint – they’re Welsh.

The final round of Guinness PRO12 league games played across across Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy this evening and the final standings were confirmed.

Munster finished top after 22 games after walloping 2016/17 champions Connacht at Thomond Park. Rassie Erasmus’ men had the try-scoring bonus point wrapped up early in the second half and did not let up thereafter, winning out 50-14 at the end.

Young scrum-half Angus Lloyd had a fine game but there was a warm, boisterous round of applause when Conor Murray returned for his first competitive game in eight weeks.

Leinster fell 17-13 to Ulster at Kingspan Stadium in what the final match for both Ruan Pienaar and Roger Wilson with the northern province.

Scarlets easily disposed of fellow Welsh side Ospreys at Parc Y Scarlets to clinch third spot. That result meant the PRO12 semi final picture was crystal clear:

Friday, May 19: LEINSTER (2) vs. SCARLETS (3) at The RDS, Dublin

Saturday, May 20: MUNSTER (1) vs. OSPREYS (4) at Thomond Park, Limerick

The fixtures set up a couple of interesting Lions battles, with Murray going up against Osprets scrum-half Rhys Webb and Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander set to do battle with Justin Tipuric. It remains to be seen whether Alun Wyn Jones will be back in time for the last four clash.

Scarlets have Liam Williams and Ken Owens to call on but it will be interesting to see how Robbie Henshaw deals with Welsh centre Jonathan Davies.

The winners of the semi-finals advance to the Guinness PRO12 final at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 27.

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