There are only 2 rounds left of the URC with the play-offs looming closely. Before the final round of league games there’s some cups and shields to be won.
I was on Harpin’ On Rugby last weekend to discuss Leinster beating Ospreys. I gave my thoughts on who should play at 10 in the European Cup final and the kind of team that Leinster should play against Ulster. There;s a YouTube clip below.
URC Penultimate Round
- Before Leinster challenge Toulouse in the European Cup final, they go to Belfast to face Ulster in the decider for the Irish Shield. I’m glad they changed the format of the shield to only include the results of derby games. Both Ulster and Leinster will be looking at this game as an important one more so in terms of league position. Ulster need to win to keep a grasp on the play-off spot, whereas Leinster need to win to hold on to a top 2 place. So there’s a lot going on.
- It’s hard to say what the Irish Shields and other URC shields mean to teams, but at the end of the day it has more meaning this season as it is basically a provincial tournament like there used to be in the amateur era. If any of the Irish sides go on to win the league the shield will be an after thought to them, but still it’s something to be one. Absolutely it’s the 3rd of 3 trophies in terms of importance, but it’s still a trophy.
- The shield would have a bigger meaning to Ulster again, as through a successful period in the early part of the 2010’s and then a bit of a slump, they haven’t picked up a trophy in a while. To be the best of the provinces would be a good building block for the new coaching team.
- For Leinster it’s not a case of ignoring this one for the European Cup. They need a win. In terms of the team it may be of detriment to certain players if they are rested, as they then have an extra week of thinking about the Toulouse match. I’d definitely day Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, and James Lowe should be rested, but the subs for next weekend should start and some of the starters should be on the bench.
- The European Cup final is probably coming too soon for Gary Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, and James Ryan. But they need to feature against Ulster and again against Connacht in order to have a big role n the URC play-offs.
- It’s hard to say what the Irish Shields and other URC shields mean to teams, but at the end of the day it has more meaning this season as it is basically a provincial tournament like there used to be in the amateur era. If any of the Irish sides go on to win the league the shield will be an after thought to them, but still it’s something to be one. Absolutely it’s the 3rd of 3 trophies in terms of importance, but it’s still a trophy.
- In terms of the top 4 t’s down to Glasgow, Leinster, Munster, and Bulls. Really from the point of view of the first 3, it’s crucial the latter doesn’t get a home semi. Any of Glasgow, Leinster, or Munster could potentially beat each other home or away, but having to take a long trip to South Africa the week after a quarter-final would be a very daunting task.
- Conversely, Bulls suffer from having to play a quarter-final in South Africa and then travel up to Europe if they finish 3rd or 4th. So while playing them in South Africa would be a huge mountain to climb, playing them in a home semi-final would be ideal here.
- Of course, the teams lying in 5th-8th position could also win a quarter-final which would mix things up a lot.
- Glasgow were gifted two points away to Bulls which means they still maintain control over the table. With Zebre at home to come in their final game in 2 weeks a win against Lions virtually guarantees them top spot.
- Conversely, Bulls suffer from having to play a quarter-final in South Africa and then travel up to Europe if they finish 3rd or 4th. So while playing them in South Africa would be a huge mountain to climb, playing them in a home semi-final would be ideal here.
- Edinburgh vs Munster is a huge game this weekend. Munster are coming good at the right time in the season once again, and Edinburgh are far from guaranteed a play-off place. Connacht and Lions will also have a lot of interest in this game with both teams trying to scrape into the top 8.
- The Sharks are in an interesting situation, as they are suffering from having their home games at the wrong time. They went from Europe for the Challenge cup semi-finals back home to South Africa for last week’s game. They play Cardiff on the weekend but have to make the long trip back to London for the Challenge cup final. With nothing tangible to play for in the league surely they go for a much weakened team against Cardiff and have the big guns already on their way to face Gloucester. Afterall, it’s their route into the Champions Cup.
- The European Cup final being before the play-offs makes things interesting. There may be an argument to be made for it to be held after all the leagues have their play-offs, or even to have leagues finish and then the semi-finals and finals of Europe (or even quarter-finals) as a season finale. There’s a lot to be said about bringing the 3 major European leagues in line and ensuring the European Cup has it’s moment. But it’s something that hasn’t really ever been done right.
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