URC: Round 17 Predictions

It’s the penultimate round of the regular season this weekend, and whilst the Top 4 looks fairly stable, the other 4 places in the Top 8 are up for grabs.

Here are my URC predictions for Round 17.

Sharks v Benetton

The Sharks are currently in 8th, but this should be a comfortable home win to give them a bit more security in the knockout places. Sharks by 18

Glasgow v Scarlets

This should be a home win too, and the Scots can guarantee their home quarter-final at Scotstoun, where they haven’t lost all season. Glasgow by 13

Ulster v Dragons

This is an easy one, and Ulster should win comfortably to try and leapfrog the Stormers into 2nd. Ulster by 26

Bulls v Zebre

Another easy one with a big home win for the Bulls to stay in the Top 8. Bulls by 28

Lions v Leinster

It’s a shame that Leinster are so far ahead with 1st place secure, and they have sent a second-string squad to South Africa. The Lions can take advantage though and give themselves a chance of making the playoffs. Lions by 4

Stormers v Munster

This is likely to be a win for the Stormers, with both sides fairly secure in the Top 8, but it should be a competitive affair. Stormers by 6

Connacht v Cardiff

Connacht are timing their run well to the end of the season, and I’m expecting a fairly comfortable home win to end Cardiff’s chances of qualification. Connacht by 9

Edinburgh v Ospreys

This is a tough one, with home advantage swaying me towards Edinburgh, but they have been awful recently, and the Ospreys have an outside chance of making the Top 8. Ospreys by 2