URC: Round 18 Predictions

The final round of regular season matches take place this weekend, with positions in the Top 8 at stake, as well as qualification for the Heineken Champions Cup.

All the permutations and what is at stake for each side are available as part of the Insights service, and below are my own picks for this weekend.

Here are my URC predictions for Round 18.

Stormers v Benetton

I can’t see the Stormers losing this one, and they’ll want some momentum going into the knockout stages. Stormers by 18

Ulster v Edinburgh

The Irish side should seal second place here, and end a season to forget for the Scots. Ulster by 13

Lions v Zebre

There’s nothing at stake in this one, and I suspect Zebre’s 100% record will last to the end of the season. They shipped 78 points to the Bulls last weekend, and this could be another long afternoon. Lions by 23

Dragons v Scarlets

There was some early-season promise for the Dragons, but they have gone downhill to secure 15th place in the table, and this is likely to be another defeat. Scarlets by 9

Bulls v Leinster

I’m picking a home win for the Bulls here to inflict Leinster’s first defeat of the season, and they could avoid finishing 8th in the process. Bulls by 2

Sharks v Munster

I was impressed that Munster managed to win in Cape Town last week but I still fancy the Sharks to nick this one, given they beat Munster 3 weeks ago in the Champions Cup. Sharks by 4

Ospreys v Cardiff

The Ospreys have a strong record against Cardiff, and I’m backing them to win and take the Welsh conference in the process. Ospreys by 7

Glasgow v Connacht

I’ll wait for team news on this one, given that there is little at stake for Glasgow, but Connacht have plenty of motivation for the win. For now it’s a tentative pick for the home team. Glasgow by 4