Hollywoodbets Sharks have won their previous six matches against Welsh opposition, a run which started in a win against Cardiff Rugby in May 2024. Sharks won that fixture 22-42 at Cardiff Arms Park, their first and only ever win against the Welsh Capital side. Sharks come into this one off the back of a 45-0 demolition against Munster, so will be hoping to carry home-field momentum into Friday’s early kick-off. In order to make a serious push for Play-Offs, you would imagine this is a must-win for the Sharks, who likely need to claim victory in four of their five remaining matches.

Cardiff Rugby have won three of their four meetings with the Hollywoodbets Sharks since the beginning of the URC. Their biggest win came on the road in November 2022, winning 0-35 at today’s venue (Hollywoodbets Kings Park). However, Cardiff have been poor on the road as of late, having lost their last five away fixtures in all competitions. A win for Cardiff likely seals them their first-ever top eight finish, setting a strong foundation before consecutive Welsh derbies in Round 15 and 16. They will rely on Josh Adams’s firepower out wide – he’s the top scorer in this head-to-head with six tries against the Sharks.

Both sides carry similar form into this Round 14, having each three of their last six URC matches this campaign.

Top seed Glasgow Warriors go into this one after thumping top four foes Leinster 38-17 at Scotstoun Stadium in Round 13, which pretty much guaranteed them a top eight finish. Glasgow are on a 10 game winning streak at home in all competitions, last losing at Scotstoun against the Vodacom Bulls in April 2025. The hosts have also won five of their last six URC matches, only dropping points on the road to Connacht after an 82nd minute game-winning try. Franco Smith has uncovered hidden gems within his ranks this campaign such as Josh McKay and Kyle Rowe who have kept Glasgow ticking during International windows.

Despite struggling in the URC this season, Benetton will feel confident they can cause an upset on Friday night, having beaten Glasgow Warriors the last two times they’ve played each other. This includes their Round 2 triumph over the table toppers, posting an impressive 16-14 victory at Stadio Monigo. Benetton have lost just twice in their last six URC matches, showing they are slowly finding some consistency towards the business end of the season. However, Benetton have not won away from home in the URC for 11 months, last beating the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions at Ellis Park in April 2025.

If Benetton are to make the Play-Offs, this is simply an all or nothing fixture. Their run-in is one of the toughest on paper, facing Munster and Leinster back to back in Round 15 and 16.

The Vodacom Bulls are currently poised in 8th position, right on the cusp of Play-Offs. Three wins here on out should secure qualification, with four or five needed for a top four push. The blue side of Pretoria have a seemingly easier run-in compared to other Play-Off competitors – four of their remaining five fixtures see them face bottom four opposition. Furthermore, Vodacom Bulls have made Loftus Versfeld a fortress over recent years, having not lost there to a non-South African side since Glasgow came over for the 2024 URC Grand Final. They’ll be hoping to carry momentum from last season’s victory over Play-Off contenders Munster.

Munster on the other hand hold 6th position, only two points off fourth place and interprovincial rivals Leinster. Munster likely need three wins from their remaining five games to guarantee a Play-Off spot and will be hoping to put last week’s 45-0 loss to the Hollywoodbets Sharks behind them. The visitors have struggled on the road as of late, winning just once in their last six games away from home.

The Vodacom Bulls will be favourites, having won four of their last five games in the URC. Munster have it all to do in one of the toughest places to travel to in the whole competition.

Connacht are the absolute in-form sides of the competition right now. Sitting in 9th place, the Galway side have won four games on the bounce, including an away interprovincial victory against Ulster last time out. Connacht likely still need four wins to make the top eight, and face a difficult schedule, still having to play four sides who currently hold Play-Off spots. However, recent wins against the first and third seeds should have ignited the spark Stuart Lancaster’s side will need to get them across the line over the next few rounds.

Ospreys have quietly gone about their business on the pitch this season, finding themselves in 10th place. They’re still going to need four wins from their last five matches, which could be possible, as they don’t have to visit South Africa and have fewer top eight opponents left to play than most. A stumble in Treviso has definitely pushed them a step back from where they want to be, however victory in their blockbuster Round 14 encounter with Connacht will almost certainly be the deciding factor as to whether or not Ospreys can clinch a top eight finish.