Is this the most competitive URC season yet?
OPINION: With the United Rugby Championship on a break until November 28, @rugby365 unpacks the state of the tournament so far.
Who would’ve thought that the defending champions, Leinster, would be No.7 on the URC table, Zebre in the middle and the Stormers on top, given their historic travelling woes after five rounds?
The top four teams all come from different countries, with the Stormers leading the way, followed by Munster – both teams on 23 points.
Glasgow Warriors continues to be a strong title contender in third place, and despite Welsh Rugby’s woes, Cardiff takes the fourth spot with both teams on 20 points.
When the URC resumes the last weekend of November, all eyes will be on Thomond Park when Munster hosts the Stormers in a top-of-the-table clash.
Munster has only lost to the Stormers once in five attempts and has never lost at home to the Capetonians, who appear to have the monkey off their backs in terms of getting wins overseas.
Ulster dispatched a Springbok-laden Sharks outfit at Kings Park just under two weeks ago but went down heavily by 31-49 to a Lions team, who three weeks ago looked disjointed on their overseas tour.
Speaking about the Lions, they will be licking their lips to keep their spot in the top eight when they face the Bulls in Round Six across the Jukskei River at Loftus Versfeld.
For the Bulls, it’s been an indifferent season after a strong start at home with two bonus point wins against the Ospreys and Leinster, respectively.
Their defensive issues remain a major talking point, and with the Boks possibly being made available for the Test against Wales, which falls outside of the international window that same weekend, it could mean advantage Lions.
For the Sharks, it’s a worrying trajectory they’re currently on.
An unconvincing win at home against the bottom of the table Scarlets might plaster over some cracks in their game temporarily, but things do not get any easier than their next fixture against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium – a match which they also might be without their top Springboks.
It’s still a long season with 13 rounds to go.
The picture could change dramatically come the end of the regular season, and teams could find themselves having secured a play-off spot or fighting to get into one with a round or two to go.
The URC is in its most competitive and healthiest state ever since its expansion from the Pro 14, and fans should be prepared for plenty more upsets and log position changes to come.
@Angyboyj
@rugby365
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