United Rugby Championship: Round 27 Predictions

It’s the final round of regular season matches, with plenty at stake in terms of Heineken Cup qualification, top 4 places and home draws in the knockout stages.

Here are my URC predictions for this weekend.

Benetton v Cardiff

There’s actually nothing at stake in this first one, but it’s a tricky pick. I’m going with home advantage, on the basis that Cardiff only just beat the Dragons away from home last week. Benetton by 2

Ulster v Sharks

There’s a home quarter-final on the line for this one, and whilst the Sharks have been impressive in their fixtures in Durban, I’m expecting home advantage to play a part and Ulster should prevail. Ulster by 6

Ospreys v Bulls

The Ospreys can win the Welsh shield and qualify for Europe with victory here, and whilst the Bulls also have plenty at stake, I’m going with the home side once again. Ospreys by 2

Dragons v Lions

I suspect the Dragons will be happy to see the back of this season, and it’s hard to back them given how poor their results have been. Lions by 8

Connacht v Zebre

A nice easy one, with another heavy defeat for Zebre on the cards. Connacht by 23

Scarlets v Stormers

This is a tricky one, with the Scarlets playing for a place in Europe and the Stormers in contention for a home quarter-final. Home advantage will be a factor, but my instinct says the visitors will take it. Stormers by 4

Edinburgh v Glasgow

A place in the Heineken Cup is on the line here, not that these teams usually need any extra incentive to beat each other. I think Edinburgh have had the edge this season, particularly at Murrayfield. Edinburgh by 2

Leinster v Munster

I think this is being set up for Munster to win it and secure second place on the table, given that Leinster will rest their first-choice players ahead of the Heineken Cup final next weekend. Munster by 7