Tonight 7:45pm
Ulster v Glasgow Prem 1 URC.TV
Edinburgh v Connacht TG4 Prem 2 URC.TV
Cardiff v Stormers S4C URC.TV
Tomorrow
12:30pm Sharks v Zebre Prem 2 URC.TV
3pm Bulls v Treviso Prem 2 URC.TV
5:15pm Leinster v Ospreys TG4 Prem 1 URC.TV
Scarlets v Dragons S4C Prem 2 URC.TV
7:45pm Munster v Lions Prem 1
I don’t think it was planned this way, but the scheduling gods have thrown us a three way head to head tonight that sees 5 of the six teams still involved in the playoff race, 3 of which have yet to secure their playoff berths, and the other two are fighting out for that No 1 seed that will guarantee them home advantage throughout the playoffs. For Connacht, it’s now basically “win or go home”, and although there are scenarios where an LBP or draw are enough to save them, those scenarios rely on both Cardiff and Ulster failing to pick up points. If Cardiff and Ulster both win and Connacht doesn’t, they are gone. If all three win, the result of tomorrow’s Munster v Lions game comes into play.
Now, did I mention that for Ulster and Cardiff to win, they have to beat our top two teams, albeit with home advantage behind them at least? Glasgow and Stormers, who have clinched their berths are both looking to pin down top 2, which guarantees a home QF (and home SF if they win that) and indeed that No 1 seed that would give home advantage throughout the playoffs.
So interesting stuff, reminiscent of the old times when all last day fixtures were played simultaneously.
As for tomorrow, that Munster v Lions game is Premier’s exclusive game, and Munster will be watching tonight’s fixtures knowing that the unlikely event of Connacht, Ulster, and Cardiff all wining will put them in No 9. With Bulls and Leinster wins likely baring slip ups, that game could (depending on Connacht also picking up a TBP) potentially become win or go home, for Munster anyway - the Lions superior PD would probably save them in the event of a loss, even if an LBP alone didn’t.
