Stormers and Bulls to the URC Semis, Lions out but hopeful, Leinster coaching drama

Shaun and Thala review the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals and other rugby tournaments barreling towards the business end.

We start with the Stormers victory over Cardiff and are impressed with the performance of the forwards and how impressive Imad Khan played, but we discuss how the Stormers can deal with the injuries to Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu and Seabelo Senatla. The Bulls also won their home quarterfinal against Munster, also off the back of an impressive scrum and a strong performance from their loose forwards, especially Cameron Hanekom, we also discuss why Munster played quite conservatively in attack.

Glasgow beat Connacht in the match of the weekend and we discuss why the Bulls have a mountain to climb to beat them and the form of the likes of Kyle Steyn, Rory Darge and Stafford McDowall. In Dublin, Leinster thrashed the Lions and we reflect on a largely positive URC for the Lions and how pivotal it is that they keep their best players. We discuss some of the drama with the Leinster coaches, Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber, and their comments in the media and whether it may be the end of the road for the whole coaching staff.

Finally we round up other global competitions, including the possibility of Bordeaux being knocked out of the Top 14 playoffs, a showdown between Exeter and Saracens for the final semi final spot, the Japanese Rugbly League One heading to the semi finals and the absolutely confusing Super Rugby playoff structure.