Log-leaders Stormers and third-placed Lions will travel abroad, while the Vodacom Bulls bunker down at Loftus when the URC playoffs race resumes in round 17 this week.
The STORMERS sit comfortably at the summit with 56 points, one ahead of the Glasgow Warriors, with two rounds remaining of the regular season.
John Dobson’s men will jet off to Belfast to tackle eighth-placed Ulster on Friday night, before they lock horns with Cardiff (sixth) a week later.
The Capetonians should expect a fiery reception at the Affidea Stadium after the Ulstermen – boosted by a Man of the Match shift from former Stormers No 8 Juarno Augustus – clinched a berth in the EPCR Challenge Cup final with victory over Exeter on Saturday.
ALSO: Cash, Lions go all in for Irish tour
Following six consecutive wins, the LIONS are all but assured of a first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals of the URC.
Ivan van Rooyen’s charges are well-placed to secure a home playoff, yet awaiting them in Dublin this Saturday are Irish giants Leinster, fresh off a narrow win over Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.
A trip to Limerick then awaits the Pride to close out their league campaign against Munster at Thomond Park.
Meanwhile, the BULLS are seventh with 49 points and targeting back-to-back wins on the Highveld against Italian clubs, kicking off with Zebre before a visit from Benetton.
In 10th spot and with their qualification hopes for the knockout stages extinguished, the SHARKS and head coach JP Pietersen will aim to finish strong when they host Benetton and Zebre at Kings Park over the next two weekends.
Round 16 results
Cardiff 24 Ospreys 21
Edinburgh 33 Sharks 28
Zebre 18 Dragons 19
Stormers 48 Glasgow 12
Lions 33 Connacht 21
Munster 41 Ulster 14
Scarlets 21 Bulls 23
Benetton 29 Leinster 26
Round 17 fixtures
Friday, 8 May
Ulster vs Stormers (8:45pm)
Glasgow vs Cardiff (8:45pm)
Saturday, 9 May
Bulls vs Zebre (1:45pm)
Sharks vs Benetton (4pm)
Leinster vs Lions (6:30pm)
Ospreys vs Scarlets (6:30pm)
Connacht vs Munster (8:45pm)
Dragons vs Edinburgh (8:45pm)
Photo: @THESTORMERS/X
The post State of the URC: Stormers, Lions hunt Irish scalps appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Log-leaders Stormers and third-placed Lions will travel abroad, while the Vodacom Bulls bunker down at Loftus when the URC playoffs race resumes in round 17 this week.
The post State of the URC: Stormers, Lions hunt Irish scalps appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
