It was a New Year's feast of derbies in the PRO12 this weekend as the competition entered 2012.
First up were the Newport Gwent Dragons against the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Friday.
In a low-scoring affair, the Scarlets triumphed 10-6 despite missing Rhys Priestland and Stephen Jones.
Scarlets flanker Johnathan Edwards scored the only try of the game, while the Dragons could only manage two penalties from Jason Tovey.
Also on Friday, Munster visited Ulster at a packed-out Ravenhill.
In a game without Irish internationals, who are taking part in a training camp, Ulster secured a bonus point with four tries from Stefan Terblanche, John Afoa, Ian Humphreys and Ruan Pienaar.
Munster went over twice via Luke O'Dea and Johne Murphy for a 33-17 result.
On Saturday, the action moved to Italy as Beneton Treviso defeated league strugglers Aironi 37-14.
On New Year's Day, Connacht took on league leaders Leinster in a tense affair in Galway.
Looking for their first win in 12 games, Connacht went over twice via Tiernan O'Halloran and Ethienne Reynecke but the boot of Leinster's Isa Nacewa won the day with five successful penalties.
Also on Sunday, Glasgow Warriors took on Edinburgh in front of a record crowd at Firhill.
Moray Low scored the only try of the match as Glasgow beat Edinburgh 17-12 to take the 1872 Cup 40-35 after a 23-23 draw on Boxing Day.
Back in Wales, second-placed Ospreys took on the Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium.
Gavin Henson returned to Swansea for the first time following his departure in October 2010 but could not inspire the Blues to a win over his former club.
Ospreys winger Tommy Bowe got the only try of the game, complemented by penalties from Matthew Morgan and Dan Biggar, while the Blues managed three penalties from Leigh Halfpenny and a drop-goal from Dan Parks to make the scores 17-12 to the home side.
