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Third will meet 12th in Llanelli to open week 17 of the Pro 12. Running out on the left wing for the Welsh region will be DTH van der Merwe. Also featuring will be the Italian capped Canadian Robert Barbieri who will start at there back of the scrum for the visitors.
The 5th placed Edinburgh will play host to the competition leading Connacht in game 2. Pulling the strings at flyhalf for the Irish province will be first choice USA Eagles playmaker AJ MacGinty who earns his fourth consecutive start. A win for the Scottish side could see them move into the playoffs zone.
Also on Friday Ulster will take on Zebre in Belfast. Involved for the Italian side will be Argentine front rowers Emiliano Coria and Guillermo Roan. The US-eligible Callum Black will feature for the Northern Ireland side on the bench.
Canadian captain Tyler Ardron will complete his return from injury in Ireland on Saturday. Having suffered ongoing problems for much of the season the utility forward will play second-row for the Ospreys who play away to Leinster. Also starting will be Jeff Hassler who retains the starting right wing position, for a third consecutive match after recovering from injury.
Looking to end a twelve year losing record in Munster the Newport Gwent Dragons will face the Southern Irish province on Saturday. Munster will be without Uruguayan tighthead prop Mario Sagario who is in Montevideo preparing for international duty this Saturday against the USA in the Americas Rugby Championship.
Two USA Eagles will be involved in the final match of the round as the Glasgow Warriors host the Cardiff Blues in a Scotland vs Wales match-up. Starting for the Scots will be Greg Peterson who will make his 12th Pro 12 appearance since completing international duty at the Rugby World Cup. Blaine Scully will again start for the Blues, playing right wing.
