With the Welsh sides otherwise engaged in the Powergen Cup the Irish and Scots intensified the battle for the Celtic crown this weekend in three thrilling local derbies.
On Saturday, Ulster moved up to second in the Celtic League with a nail biting 17-20 win against Munster at Musgrave Park. With 20 minutes left Ulster had a seemingly unassailable lead but Munster were not going to relinquish a proud 18-match unbeaten home record without a fight.
Then on Sunday Edinburgh Gunners had the chance to leapfrog both Munster and Ulster to claim top spot but were soundly beaten 46-6 thanks to a stunning performance from Glasgow Warriors playing for the first time in the Celtic League at their new home, Firhill. The victory was also the biggest win in the Celtic League so far this season.
In the third of the weekend's games on Saturday afternoon, bottom side Connacht were unable to halt their poor run of form in the league when they were beaten at home 9-21 by a Leinster side that moved up into fourth place. Two tries from the visitors either side of half time was enough to secure the points.
