Americas Players in Pro 12 – Week 22

This weekend marks the end of the European club for many teams in the Guinness Pro 12. It is a final change to determine who will be the four Semi Finalists and which seven clubs are to qualify for the European Champions Cup. The final round is to involve Americas Players in Pro 12 – Week 22.

With week 22 being the final round all matches are to be played simultaneously. It is a means of nobody knowing precisely what they need to do to finish higher than another side. The top of the table match of Connacht vs Glasgow Warriors in Galway, Ireland could see both or no side securing a Home Semi Final.

Starting at fly half for Connacht will be AJ MacGinty. The Eagles pivot is on his way to the Aviva Premiership next season to join the Sale Sharks. Former Canadian under 20’s back Shane O’Leary will cover MacGinty from the bench while The Tennessee born Tommy Seymour will start on the wing for Glasgow.

Edinburgh has a mathematic chance of reaching the top six. If so the Scottish side would secure a place in the 2016-2017 Champions Cup. Edinburgh have the Cardiff Blues at home and require a bonus point win and for other results to go their way. Facing Edinburgh will be Cam Dolan who gets a start in the second-row. Blaine Scully is sidelined with a thumb injury.

Third hosts eleventh with Leinster receiving the Benetton Treviso. A win for the Irish province will see a home Semi Final secured in Dublin. The Italians are one point ahead of Zebre which, if retained, will be sufficient for them to qualify for next season’s European Champions Cup. Missing though injury is Canadian Robert Barbieri.

The Ospreys’ final match of the season will be a home one against Ulster. Starting at opened flanker for the Welsh region will be Dayton, Ohio’s Sam Underhill. The talented 19 year old is to play for England, potentially as early as this coming June. Missing for the Ospreys is the injured former USA junior Hanno Dirksen. Jeff Hassler and Tyler Ardron are also out injured. The USA eligible Callum Black will start for Ulster at loosehead prop.

In Parma, Italy Zebre have it all to play for. The bottom of the table team can qualify for the Champions Cup by defeating Wales’ weakest region, the Newport Gwent Dragons. In search of the result a strong lineup has been named including former Puma Guillermo Roan who will start at tighthead prop. Also involved will be Bruno Postiglioni as a replacement.