9 reasons the Pro12 semi-finals are essential viewing this weekend

There’s nothing quite like the intensity of knock-out rugby.

It’s knockout rugby

No more of that points-for-losing guff: Ulster, Llanelli and Glasgow are playing for the right to play again. Leo looks fairly relaxed, though.

©INPHO/Billy Stickland

It’s the last time you’ll see Ravenhill this season…

Out of the way, Adam Macklin, we can’t see the stadium.

©INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd

…But you might be sick of the RDS in a fortnight

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Ulster will hope to produce more of this

YouTube credit: TheUAFC

Glasgow will bring some Lions hell-bent on avenging their narrow defeat in March

Not to mention this little beauty.

YouTube credit: RugbyCareer

Leinster players also have to fight for an Amlin final place

Oi! Come back with that silverware, Ó Muirí. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

The IRUPA and Pro12 player of the year will be in the thick of it

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

While this man will be making sure he’s at the front of the queue should something unfortunate happen Dylan Hartley

Leinster fans will continue their farewell to this medal-laden pair

Among others .

Not enough reasons? Here are 92 more…

Ulster XV: J Payne, A Trimble, D Cave, S Olding, T Bowe, P Jackson, R Pienaar: T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, J Muller (C), D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams;
Replacements: R Herring, C Black, R Lutton, I Henderson, M McComish, P Marshall, M Allen, P Nelson.

Scarlets XV: L Williams,g North, J Davies, S Williams, A Fenby, R Priestland, A Davies: P John, K Owens, S Lee, G Earle, J Synman, A Shingler, J Turnbull, R McCusker (C).

Replacements: E Phillips, Rhodri Jones, Jacobie Adriannse, Jake Ball, Sione Timani, Gareth Davies, Owen Williams, Gareth Owen.

Leinster XV: R Kearney, F McFadden, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, I Nacewa; J Sexton, I Boss: C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross; L Cullen (C); K McLaughlin, S O’Brien/ S Jennings, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, J Hagan, Q Roux, S Jennings, R Ruddock, J Cooney, I Madigan, A Conway.

Warriors XV: S Hogg, S Maitland, S Lamont, A Dunbar, DTH van der Merwe; P Horne, N Matawalu: R Grant, P MacArthur, J Welsh; T Swinson, A Kellock; J Strauss, J Barclay, R Wilson.

Replacements: F Brown, M Low,E Kalman, Ryder, R Harley, H Pyrgos, R Jackson, M Bennett.