It’s quarter-finals week within the United Rugby Championship and in keeping with analyst and former participant Joel Stransky, there might be pleasure for less than one of many three South African groups in motion this weekend.
In the large match in South Africa, the defending champions, the Stormers, host the Bulls, in Cape Town in a repeat of final yr’s closing and final weekend’s Currie Cup conflict (received 31-7 by WP over the Blue Bulls).
And then within the final match of the quarters, the Sharks might be up towards Irish giants and table-toppers Leinster in Dublin — an enormous ask for the lads from Durban towards a facet who on Saturday certified for the Champions Cup closing by powering previous Toulouse 41-22 within the semi-finals.
Stormers
In the 2 different quarter-finals matches, Glasgow Warriors host Munster and Ulster entertain Connacht.
“The Stormers have stalled a bit recently, and lost some momentum, probably because of Deon Fourie’s absence,” stated Stransky. “It simply exhibits how essential he’s in that Stormers workforce.
“But, I don’t assume there might be any panic within the Stormers facet. They received their final match (towards Benetton) and may have moved on from shedding to Munster (the week earlier than). Suffering one or two losses doesn’t make one go from a very good workforce to a nasty one. The Stormers are an important facet, however the Bulls will push them.
“I think the Bulls, and Jake (White) were trying to focus equally on every competition, where now they can put everything into the URC (and then the Currie Cup). They’re now more driven and focused, and that will make them more dangerous.”
Stransky added: “The Bulls have looked more organised recently. However, I can’t see how they’ll dominate against that Stormers pack, break down their defence, while the Stormers’ backline is very under-rated. I think the Stormers will shade it.”
Sharks
Turning his consideration to the Sharks match towards Leinster, the previous World Cup-winner from 1995 stated Neil Powell’s males had a “tough task” in entrance of them.
“The Sharks’ game-plan is just too predictable. They scrum for penalties, kick into the corner and maul. I’m not sure they can put 10 phases together or know how to break down a really good structured defence,” stated Stransky.
“And with no Siya (Kolisi) and Eben (Etzebeth) they’re going to struggle. Their game just isn’t suited to beating Leinster.”
Regarding the Glasgow-Munster match, Stransky stated: “Munster will have their tails up and RG Snyman back, and have the smarts to go there (to Scotland) and win, but it’ll be tough.”
And the Ulster-Connacht match? “Ulster have gone under the radar in this competition. They’ve won a lot of games (13 out of 18) and they’re a hard team to beat,” stated Stransky.
URC quarter-finals
Glasgow Warriors v Munster
Stormers v Bulls
Ulster v Connacht
Leinster v Sharks
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