URC springs into life but do the Irish provinces have what it takes to be there at the death?

Connacht need a big finish to make it into next season’s Champions Cup. Munster are scrambling to get a coveted home draw for the knock-outs.

The URC is a funny league. There were 12 teams a year ago, now there are 16. The four teams that have joined the U RC are decent. South African sides have hosted eight games against Northern Hemisphere opposition in the last two rounds of matches and have won all of them. Connacht are currently the league's tenth best team. They beat Munster last weekend. The Lions are three places below them but beat Cardiff a week earlier. Five of the South Africa sides' games are on South soil, compared to five games for the Irish provinces. It's not Steve Borthwick's job to debate the merits of one league against another.

URC springs into life. Leinster is the first province to play.

Leinster are top of the table and are favourites to retain their title. They have lost just three times this season, twice to their nearest pursuers, Ulster. Scott Fardy's retirement has hit Leinsters hard. Ulster are coming into life. They are looking for a home semi-final. The Ireland team that beat New Zealand last November was essentially a Leinsster and District XV.

URC is the first seed and will be home for the quarters and semis.

URC springs into life.

Ulster are second in the table. They have a tough remaining schedule. Their injuries have hurt them. They are investing in youth. It's not guaranteed that they will get into the team for their key games.

URC is coming out of a long break. The Irish provinces are expected to score 64 points.

URC springs into life. Do the Irish provinces have what it takes to be there at the death?

Ulster and Leinster are the top two sides in the province. Munster's away record is poor. They are seven points behind Ulster and eight behind Leinsster. Home advantage counts in rugby more than in most sports. Peter O'Mahony and Tadhg Beirne are over-dependent on their leadership. They need to play well together in three of the final five games.

URC will win 58 points.

Connacht are inconsistent and need to win 18 points to get into the Champions Cup next season. They have destroyed Bulls and Ulster this season and beat Munster last year. Their cover isn't good enough in about five positions. A quarter-final place is within their grasp. Qualification for next year's Champions League requires four wins from five or three wins with plenty of bonus points attached. The remaining fixtures are Leinster (home), Benetton (away), Lions (aways), Sharks ( away), Zebre ( home).