What the provinces need from the final URC round

A home quarter-final is assured for Munster but victory against Ulster would ensure top spot and homefield advantage throughout the play-offs.

The Munster team during training ahead of the URC clash with Ulster. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

MUNSTER: Top of the table on 63 points after 17 rounds but ousted from first place on the eve of their last regular season match as both Leinster and Glasgow Warriors climbed above them with bonus-point wins over Connacht and Zebre Parma respectively.

Yet though Munster now trail their rivals buy two points, their fate is still in their own hands, with a win at home to Ulster at Thomond Park on Saturday evening (5:15pm) restoring them to first place and the top seeding that would ensure top spot and homefield advantage throughout the play-offs. As it stands, just a home quarter-final is guaranteed, regardless of the Ulster result.