The final round of the Vodacom URC league season will reshape the entire playoff picture, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the congestion from fourth to ninth on the table means every result this weekend carries major consequence, with the Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and Lions all still fighting for position and survival.
For the Bulls, victory against Benetton in Pretoria guarantees a home quarter-final and would complete a strong recovery after a mid-season collapse.
“The Bulls have been near perfect in URC results over the past two months,” Keohane writes.
ALSO: Stormers make peace with finishing second
The Stormers are also in command of a top-two finish if they beat Cardiff, though Glasgow’s result against Ulster could still influence first place. The Cape side is chasing a record 13th league win and another home playoff route.
The fifth-placed Lions face the greatest pressure. A week ago they were third; now they are battling simply to remain in the top eight. Keohane says their equation is straightforward: get something from Munster or risk another season without playoffs.
CASH: Munster clash do-or-die for Lions
“There are permutations and ‘ifs and buts’ everywhere and each match will influence the final eight standings,” he writes.
The drama extends beyond South Africa. Ulster’s clash with Glasgow could decide both playoff qualification and Investec Champions Cup participation, while Munster remain dangerous despite off-field turmoil.
For Keohane, this is exactly what the URC wanted — a final round where almost every match matters.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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