Despite struggling to get to watch any of the matches, I'm finding the URC infinitely more interesting this year. I think the big change the SA teams have brought is a sense that Irish teams are no longer automatically the top dogs. It's a long way from guaranteed that Munster will make the champions cup, so a good bit of jeopardy
Munster are 6th on 37 points, above them Glasgow (39), Bulls (40), Ulster (43), Stormers (45) and Leinster (61). Fair dues to Leinster for being so far ahead of the pack, won 13/13 with 9 bonus points. Munster have played 13, Stormers, Ulster, Glasgow have only played 12 and Sharks on 33 points, have only played 11.
Munster's remaining matches are Ospreys (H), Scarlets (H), Glasgow (H), Stormers (A), Sharks (A)
There's a bunch of notable matches coming up, Sharks vs Stormers, if Sharks win, Munster will be at least level in points, but Sharks will still have a game in hand. Glasgow play Ulster on the 17th. Bulls play Stormers, both will take points off the others, which is good for Munster.
Ulster then have to head to Sharks the weekend after, on the same day Ireland are playing Italy, when presumably a bunch of Ulster's best players will be involved. Glasgow have to play Lions that weekend too, at altitude, in heat, missing their internationals.
I'd say the chances of both losing is fairly high.
Stormers look like they have the hardest run-in, they have Sharks, Bulls, Sharks, Leinster (away...), Munster and Benetton.
The Sharks don't exactly have an easy run in either, with Stormers, Lions, Ulster, Stormers, Scarlets, Benetton and Munster, with a quarter final against Munster in the mix.
Those early season losses to Connacht, Cardiff and Dragons are really hurting Munster at this stage in the season. At least they have a comparatively easier run in.
