URC QFs confirmed: Another Stormers-Bulls showdown, Sharks face daunting Dublin trip

It's not quite the occasion of last year's final, but a tasty Stormers-Bulls derby headlines the URC's quarter-finals lineup in two weeks' time.

Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors' narrow 29-27 victory over Irish surprise package Connacht on Saturday night, allied with Jake White's troops' superb 62-7 drubbing on Leinster's dirt-trackers means that the men from Loftus finish sixth on the overall table and book a date with their nemesis.

The Stormers, who finished third and will host the showdown, are unbeaten against their great rivals since the inception of the URC.

Leinster v Sharks, Dublin

Ulster v Connacht, Belfast

Stormers v Bulls, Cape Town

Glasgow v Munster, Glasgow

In a way, the permutation is not quite ideal for South African rugby because it doesn't maximise South Africa's chances of progressing in the tournament, but the Bulls will feel far more confident toppling the Capetonians than having to travel to Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Sharks must conjure up what many will label a miracle as they're reward or punishment (depending on your view) for finishing eighth is a trip to Dublin to meet Leinster, who won't be employing a virtual C-team like theiy did in the past fortnight in South Africa.

Beating Leinster along the way in claiming an improbable URC title is also their only way of qualifying for the Champions Cup next season again.

The URC rather neatly spelt out how European places can be attained by winning trophies.

Irish shield winner: Leinster

SA shield winner: Stormers

Welsh shield winner: Cardiff

Scottish/Italian shield winner: Glasgow

Highest ranked non-shield winners who qualify:

Ulster

Munster

Bulls

Connacht

"Should a team (Benetton or Scarlets) from the URC who has not qualified for the Champions Cup win the EPCR Challenge