Five Things We Learned From Round 17 Guinness PRO14

1. Leinster Make It Five In A Row

The Irish province extended their recent run of form to five successive league wins against the Cheetahs in Dublin. The 19-7 win over the South African franchise helped them secure a home semi-final with four rounds of play still remaining. The Cheetahs, on the other hand, have lost all three of their recent games in Europe and continue to struggle on the road.

2. Benetton Push For Playoff Spot 

The Italian outfit took a step closer to a coveted playoff spot in a nervy encounter, after fighting back to beat Edinburgh 18-10 at home, to maintain their unbeaten league run since November. Benetton have managed to stay unbeaten for their last 8 league games as they overcame Conference rivals to remain in second-place five points ahead of third, with Ulster having a game in hand in fourth position. 

3. Connacht Claim Crucial Conference Win

At a windy Sportsground in Galway, the Irish province battled the elements to secure a bonus-point win over Ospreys to keep their hopes of nailing the one playoff spot that remains up for grabs in Conference A. Connacht dominated the first half to open up a sizeable lead which they held onto to maintain their formidable form at home. Inspired by their halves Marmion and Godwin, the 2016 Champions made light work of the Welsh side.

4. Glasgow Return To The Top

A first half rout from the Glasgow based club helped them secure a bonus-point win over Zebre in Parma. The six-try return sees them leapfrog Munster, after they lost out to Scarlets, into top spot. After a barren stretch over Christmas, a run of three straight wins puts them in driving seat to secure a home semi-final with four games left.

5. Ulster Remain In Reach Of Playoffs

A comfortable 28-10 win for the province over the Dragons ensured that they will enter Round 18 in the top three of their conference. The return of Ireland internationals Jordi Murphy and John Cooney provided a major boost for Ulster as they battled to a crucial bonus-point win.