It is the final weekend of the regular URC season with a few teams assured of a playoff spot and those in the chasing pack looking to book a last 8 spot as well as insuring European participation next season.
Tonight will see 3 crucial games taking place in round 18 with Cardiff Rugby hosting the Stormers, Ulster face Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh take on Connacht.
All 6 teams have a chance to secure their top 8 spot with wins across the games this evening. For the losing sides it will be an anxious wait to see how the games fixed for tomorrow afternoon and evening fare out.
Munster and the Fidelity Securedrive Lions to give them there long winded title will know exactly what’s needed when they close out the regular campaign at 7.45pm tomorrow evening in Thomond Park.
Munster have had very ropy inconsistent season but will still have destiny of sorts in their own hands by kick off tomorrow evening. Can the return of Jack Crowley help steer the ship on the right course.
Given everything that has happened over the past month from a Munster point of view, it will be a relief to the players that the matters on the field will take centre stage for 80 minutes in the hope of securing a top 8 finish.
For Ulster and Connacht they also have a chance at a place in the last 8 and that will be settled this weekend beginning this evening for both sides on home soil for Ulster and away for Stuart Lancaster’s charges who travel to Edinburgh.
History beckons for the Irish provinces who could have 4 teams in the last 8 conversely they may only get Leinster over the line who are the only province to this point to have confirmed there spot in the quarter finals in 2 weeks time.
For the URC it is fantastic to have so many games on the last weekend that will have a direct impact on the make-up of the last 8 rather than having a large number of games with nothing to play for…
It will be a time for supporters to bite the finger nails to the cuticle and for others to get the calculator out and see what their side might require as the games over the 2 days go by. It will be a good weekend drama wise, may not be great for the blood pressure or heart rate if you follow any of the sides involved from 4th place through to 9th spot.
Strap yourself and enjoy the roller-coaster ride that will be URC round 18…..