The race for the top eight is heating up in the URC as nine teams chase European Champions Cup qualification for next season and a place in the playoffs.
Finishing in the top two and top four are also added bonuses for the teams that finish in these places. The top four get a home quarter final, the top two, if they make it, get a home semi final, and the top spot could earn itself a home final.
Glasgow Warriors vs Cardiff (2nd vs 6th)
Glasgow return to home soil after a disappointing tour of South Africa, where they lost both of their games. They currently sit one point behind the Stormers and will travel to Ulster in the final round.
Cardiff face the top two sides in the final two rounds and will likely need at least one win to make the playoffs. Six points separate them, and Connacht in ninth.
Ulster vs Stormers (8th vs 1st)
Ulster booked their place in the Challenge Cup final with a convincing win over the Exeter Chiefs. They now need to focus on securing a playoff place as they sit on the verge of eighth. They are three points ahead of Conancht in ninth and therefore need to win to keep their top eight hopes up.
The Stormers sit in a very strong position with a trip to Cardiff to follow. They are still only five points ahead of fifth and could lose their top-four position if they don’t win both games. They will look to maintain their top spot, which they only hold by one point currently.
Leinster vs Lions (4th vs 3rd)
Leinster and the Lions are currently sitting equal on 53 points. The Lions will travel to Munster in the final game of the URC season.
Leinster will finish with a strong home game against the Ospreys. The winning side in this game will look to apply pressure to the top two. They are just two and three points ahead of them, respectively.
Connacht vs Munster (9th vs 5th)
A huge home interpro derby for Connacht in the newly refurbished Dexcom Stadium. Connacht are three points behind Ulster and will need a win to keep their hopes alive. Without a win, if the other results go against them, they could be out of playoff hopes for the final game.
Munster are in fifth, and a win in this game would guarantee them a playoff place and Champions Cup rugby for next year, despite a very difficult season for them.
