URC Playoffs: Quarterfinals Recap & Semifinal Predictions
Wow—what an incredible round of United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs. This past weekend’s quarterfinals delivered everything fans love about the URC: passion, unpredictability, and high-intensity rugby. And if the quarterfinals are anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling semifinal weekend ahead.
Quarterfinal Recap: Drama, Comebacks, and Dominance
Let’s start with the shocker: Glasgow Warriors dismantled the Stormers. I expected a tight contest, but Glasgow came out firing and showed their class in every department. Winning 36-18. They now move on to the semifinals full of momentum and belief.
Edinburgh vs Bulls was another standout. Edinburgh put up a gutsy fight and had the Bulls on the ropes with a 21–8 lead. But the Bulls, showing their resilience and experience, roared back to win 42–33. As a Bulls supporter, I was thrilled—but credit to Edinburgh for a valiant effort.
Leinster vs Scarlets was a more one-sided affair. The Scarlets tried to hang in, but the power and precision of Leinster proved too much. Leinster’s wealth of international experience came through once again, securing their place in the semifinals. Final score 33-21.
The most thrilling match of the weekend was undoubtedly Sharks vs Munster. It had everything—drama, extra time, and finally, a penalty shootout to settle it. The now-infamous “Winkgate” saga involving Jayden Hendrikse stirred debate, but there seems to be evidence that he was dealing with a legitimate calf cramp. Regardless, it was edge-of-the-seat stuff, and the Sharks deserved their spot in the semis. Final score 24-24 penalty kick-out 6-4
Semifinal Preview: Predictions & Key Battles
Leinster vs Glasgow Warriors
This clash promises to be a tactical, hard-fought battle. Glasgow are coming off a huge win and will be brimming with confidence. They’ve shown they can cause upsets—just ask Munster.
But Leinster are a different beast, packed with Irish, New Zealand, and South African stars. Their depth and cohesion, especially in high-pressure knockout games, gives them the edge here. I don’t expect a high-scoring match; rather, a gritty contest where discipline and set-pieces matter most.
Prediction: Leinster 18 – 15 Glasgow
Leinster’s experience and power should see them through in a nail-biter, and they’ll earn the right to host the URC final for the first time since the South African teams joined the competition.
Bulls vs Sharks (at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
This one’s going to be a proper South African derby—heavy-hitting, physical, and decided up front. The battle in the scrums and lineouts will be fierce. The front row matchups are mouthwatering: Ox Nché vs Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar vs Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch vs Jan-Hendrik Wessels. It’s going to be brutal.
In terms of current form, the Bulls have the edge in forward dominance, but they’ll need to tighten their lineouts and improve their kicking game. Embrose Papier’s tactical kicking and Keagan Johannes’ goal-kicking will be crucial.
The Sharks have game-breakers like Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, and more—but questions remain about their consistency. If it comes down to a penalty shootout again, the Sharks might have the edge.
Prediction: Bulls 32 – 25 Sharks
If the Bulls can hold their nerve and execute, they should clinch this one by a margin of a converted try.
What’s at Stake?
Can Glasgow continue their underdog run and reach back-to-back finals? Will Leinster finally capitalize on home advantage in a URC play-off game? Can the Bulls make their third final appearance in four years—and finally bring the trophy to Loftus? Or will the Sharks pull off a Durban fairytale?
Whatever happens, one thing’s certain: this weekend is set to deliver epic rugby.
Stay tuned—I’ll be back with my predictions for the URC Final next week!
This weekend rugby will be epic. Can’t wait to see it
oh yes amazing stuff