URC: Quarter-Final Predictions

It’s quarter-final time in the URC, featuring 3 South African teams, 2 Scottish, 2 Irish and 1 Welsh.

Who will lift the trophy in a couple of weeks’ time? Here are my URC Quarter-final predictions.

Glasgow Warriors vs. Stormers

The hosts have lost three in a row, which has seen them slip to 4th and earn a much tougher draw than they might have had in 2nd place. The Stormers have hit some form in Cape Town, but their away record still concerns me, and they have lost 4 of their 5 matches against Glasgow. But I’m still leaning towards an upset here, and I think this is the best chance of an Away win this weekend. Prediction: Stormers by 2

Bulls vs. Edinburgh

This one looks much more straightforward, and I can’t see how the Scottish side can win at Loftus. They’ve only won 2 matches away from home all season, and now face one of the toughest trips in the competition, so it could be a long afternoon at altitude. Prediction: Bulls by 18

Leinster vs. Scarlets

This is the other one-sided quarter-final and an easy pick - although the Scarlets did beat Leinster at home a few weeks ago. Not this time though, and the hosts can’t take any risks with team selection as they bid to finally land a trophy. Prediction: Leinster by 23

Sharks vs. Munster

This should be closer than the Bulls and Leinster games, and yes Munster can be dangerous away from home, but the Sharks will be up for this one with a strong side in front of their own fans in Durban. Munster’s away form has been poor, and on form and history, there’s no reason to pick anything but a home win. Prediction: Sharks by 7

How do your picks compare?