URC is getting pretty tasty with 4 rounds to go. Just 1 point separating the top 2. 5th to 11th separated by 3 points. 8th to 11th on the same points.
Its great to see such a competitive tournament with so many teams having something to play for. Lots of different talking points.
First up is Scarlets Vs Sharks. Its a dead rubber game but its interesting to see the Sharks are going full strength the week before their crucial challenge cup semi final. They have gone the opposite approach to Leinster who are resting their big guns for two weeks. Not sure I'd go with either approach. Maybe rest the week before but not two full weeks?
Ulster Vs Benetton. Ulster are having an awful season and used up about 3 get out of jail free cards last weekend. They would normally be favourites at home but I think Benetton are the favourites for this. Its a must win for Benetton as they have still yet to travel to South Africa. Ulster have maybe an easier run in because they have Scarlets (easy) and then Leinster (the week before the Champions Cup final so Leinster will likely rotate) and then Munster.
Zebre Vs Glasgow: Easy win for Glasgow and 5 points. First of 2 matches they have to play against Zebre so they are assured 10 points there but have two matches in SA to come against the Lions and Bulls. Think they might nick Leinster to top spot.
Cardif Vs Edinburgh. Dead rubber for the woefully unlucky Cardiff but crucial for Edinburgh. Hard to call this one actually. Maybe Edinburgh marginal favourites.
Bulls vs Ospreys. Man did that rotation backfire on Jake White last week. Bulls have too and should win this. Ospreys are the tournaments dark horses and have done very well considering the state of Welsh rugby at the moment. Probably already delighted with the bonus point win against the Stormers but I can't see lighting striking twice.
Lions Vs Munster. Great win for the Lion's last weekend but I think a fully loaded Munster team will be too much for them. Snyman was damn near unplayable last week.
Stormers Vs Leinster: Another rotation policy backfiring. No idea why Cullen didn't bringing a stronger team to face the Lions. They could afford to lose one game but not two. I've no doubt both teams are going be better than they where last week. Stormers should win this with Leinster picking up a losing bonus point.
Dragons Vs Connacht. None negotiable for Connacht to win this and with a bonus point. I've no doubt of the win but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't pick up a bonus point. Very erratic season for them and Very difficult last 3 games for them which will probably include fully stacked Munster, Stormers and Leinster teams. Going need to pull out some shock results if they want top 8.
Top 8 might not even be enough to secure the Champions Cup qualification with both the Sharks and Benetton in the challenge cup. Sharks have more than a decent chance of winning that. Guess it would be karma for missing out last year due to the stupid shields qualification system that was thankfully done away with.
Pro4,532 posts
25 Apr 2024, 16:57
#1
25 Apr 2024, 16:57#1