As we head into the coveted URC playoffs, the competition has been whittled down to just 8 teams, all with one dream.
Round 18 produced a scintillating final round of games, with elation and disappointment touching almost every match-up.
This was especially true for the Lions as they missed out on the playoff places after losing to the Stormers in the final minute at Cape Town stadium.
They had to watch as the Ospreys snatched the final playoff place with a 77th-minute penalty try, securing a bonus-point win and marking a miraculous turnaround in fortunes.
With four mouthwatering fixtures lined up, the URC looks set for more drama, upsets and excitement. Who will overcome the odds and make it to the semi-final showdown?
SOUTH AFRICAN TEAMS’ QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEWS
Bulls vs Benetton
The Bulls host Benetton in the quarter-finals in what promises to be a blockbuster match-up.
The Bulls finished the season with four wins on the bounce, comfortably defeating the newly crowned Challenge Cup champions, the Sharks, in the final round. They reached this position in style with the highest ranked attack in the league this season, scoring the highest number of points in the league with 639 including a league leading 85 tries.
However, the South Africans will have their hands full as they face an incredibly well-drilled and disciplined Benetton side. The Italians gave away just 150 penalties and 6 yellow cards across their URC campaign this season and boast an array of young stars in their side, including Six Nations Player of the Tournament, Tomas Menoncello, and Italy captain Michele Lamaro.
Benetton have already made history by becoming the first Italian team to reach the URC playoffs. They will be wanting to continue rewriting the history books by upsetting the Bulls in Pretoria this weekend.
Glasgow Warriors vs Stormers
The final match-up of the quarter-finals sees Glasgow Warriors host last season’s runners-up in what is expected to be a highlight of the weekend.
The Warriors have thrived on a free-flowing attacking game, supported by their strong scrum, which is ranked third best in the league this season. In contrast, the Stormers’ scrum, ranked 14th with just an 88% success rate, has at times hindered their ability to showcase their backline’s champagne rugby.
While both sides are renowned for their attacking rugby, the scrum is set to be a critical battleground at the Scotstoun Stadium. It is an intriguing clash, with the Stormers improving their away form with three consecutive wins and the Warriors having lost two of their last three games against South African sides.
Saturday night’s match is certainly one to watch.
BEST OF THE REST OF URC QUARTERS
Munster vs Ospreys
Munster enjoyed a fruitful URC campaign during the regular season, finishing at the top of the overall standings.
Remarkably, with just four games remaining, they had less than a 25% chance of securing the top spot. They will feel confident heading into their quarter-final against Ospreys having beaten them in round 12 away from home.
However, they must be wary of their opponent as Ospreys have finished the season by defying the odds, overcoming just a 5% chance of reaching the URC playoffs heading into round 18.
They finished the URC season strong with four wins in six matches including two victories against South African opposition, which should serve as a warning to Munster that the Ospreys have thrived as the underdog this year.
Leinster vs Ulster
Our third quarter-final is an old Irish rivalry as Ulster takes a trip to the Aviva Stadium to face Leinster.
While Leinster started the season strong, they have faltered slightly towards the end of the regular season, with three losses in their last five games. Despite this our simulations give them the highest chance of winning the overall championship (35%).
In order to do this, they will have to topple an old foe in Ulster, who they recently lost to in a tightly fought contest at Kingspan Stadium, 23-21.
Ulster have proven to be a gritty side this season, grinding out victories throughout, with an average winning margin of just six points.
It will be a fascinating contest between the sides, who have already battled for the Irish Shield this season, with Leinster coming out victorious by just six points.
Who will take the spoils this weekend in Dublin?
