United Rugby Championship permutations: It is now or never in TIGHT play-off race with only one round left
Split with Edinburgh's Ben Healy and Bulls star Embrose Papier.
The final round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) arrives this weekend, meaning it is the end of the regular season when the top eight teams advance to the play-offs.
Interestingly even though there was no URC last weekend, the European finals had an impact with the Sharks winning the Challenge Cup, meaning the team that finishes in eighth does NOT qualify for the Champions Cup next season. This makes the play-off race even more entertaining.
1) Munster (63 pts) – Qualified
Last year’s champions have put themselves in an excellent position to go on and defend their title. They snuck to the top of the table but have one more challenge left against Ulster who are fresh off a win over Leinster. For Munster, it is about getting over the line and taking momentum into the quarter-finals. A win of any kind will seal top spot for the Irish province while a draw or a loss with two bonus points may be just enough.
R18: Munster v Ulster
2) Bulls (61 pts) – Qualified
Much like Munster, the Bulls’ consistency late in the season in terms of results has left them in a solid spot. They will want to maintain a top-two place which gives them a chance to host the final should they get there. It is all hands on deck now for the last round which is a tricky fixture against the Challenge Cup winners. No double Jake White’s side will be looking to come away with a win, which could see them finish top of the pile depending on the result between Munster and Ulster, but a top-four finish has already been secured.
R18: Sharks v Bulls
3) Leinster (60 pts) – Qualified
The Irish giants sacrificed their top spot for a Champions Cup final when they sent a young side to tour South Africa and unfortunately, it has not worked as planned. It may be a case of beware of the wounded animal as Leinster will be desperate to hoist some silverware this season. Expect a massive push in the URC starting with Connacht. A victory could see them finish top of the table but they will need other results to go their way too.
R18: Leinster v Connacht
4) Glasgow Warriors (60 pts) – Qualified
Moving from first to fourth in one round is an example of just how tight the table is. Glasgow will be upset to miss out on their South African tour but still have top four secured and a straightforward final-round fixture. The Scots will want a full house of points to try climb up the table or at the very least give them momentum going into the quarter-finals.
R18: Glasgow Warriors v Zebre
ONE round to go! 😬 Here’s the Quarter-Finals scenario as it stands right now 👀@Vodacom #URC | #RaceToTheEight pic.twitter.com/AYNXZEsuB8
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 27, 2024
5) Stormers (54 pts) – Qualified
It might not have been pretty but nine points from their northern tour was very handy and locks them in for the play-offs. They can’t get into the top four but will need to beat a rampant Lions side at home to ensure Champions Cup qualification. They are sitting fairly pretty but a loss at home will not be ideal.
R18: Stormers v Lions
6) Ulster (53 pts) – Qualified
It’s been an exceptional finish for a side that has gone through so many changes this season. Their win over Leinster was one for the ages and earned their quarter-final spot. They now have to navigate a clash with the holders which could be vital for Champions Cup qualification. A victory over two big Irish sides back-to-back would be some effort.
R18: Munster v Ulster
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7) Edinburgh (49 pts)
It is a straight shootout for seventh. Whoever wins will earn Champions Cup qualification, it is as simple as that. A draw would make things interesting considering the Lions position but the Johannesburg side would have to win in Cape Town in that instance. If Edinburgh and Benetton do draw, the Scots would be the higher placed side having won more games this season.
R18: Benetton v Edinburgh
8) Benetton (49 pts)
The Italians had a tough tour of South Africa but managed a win against the Sharks crucially. Now for the straight shootout for seventh. Top eight still works as they advance but then they would miss that all-important qualification. It is a massive game for the Treviso side.
R18: Benetton v Edinburgh
9) Lions (49 pts)
This side embodies the term inspired at the moment having put bonus-point wins on Leinster and Glasgow recently, remarkably keeping them in the mix. It may be a bridge too far for the Lions, but a win in Cape Town certainly shakes the tree. That may be enough for eighth but then no Champions Cup – unless they go on to win the URC. Ideally, a win for them and a draw in the seventh-place shootout would tick the Lions’ boxes. Expect the side to absolutely empty their tanks in this one.
R18: Stormers v Lions