URC: Scotland legend Chris Paterson backs Glasgow for strong South Africa tour opener vs Lions

The Scottish side begin their trip across the land of the Springboks with a clash against the Lions in Johannesburg this Saturday, before taking on the Stormers in Cape Town next weekend.

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With just four rounds remaining in the regular season, the race for play-off places is reaching its peak with any slip-ups costing teams dear. Only the top eight teams will progress, with the top four securing home quarter-finals – and the table remains incredibly tight heading into the weekend.

Glasgow Warriors lead the standings on 55 points, but the chasing pack is closing, while the battle for the final play-off places is finely poised, with just three points separating the teams from 5th to 8th. However, the Warriors will be picking up the pieces of their recent Champions Cup elimination, which saw them suffer a rare home defeat to RC Toulon in the quarter-finals (22-19).

The Lions have won their last four URC matches at Ellis Park and lost just once at home this season, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the league on their own turf. Speaking ahead of this high-stakes clash in Johannesburg, Paterson said:

“Glasgow won’t have time to dwell on the hurt of last weekend - this is a reset. Going to South Africa becomes a mini-tour and that mindset is key. Glasgow picked up seven points last time in South Africa which is a really good return. There’s a bit of history between Glasgow and the Lions and the hosts have formidable form at home, are ruthless and play an aggressive brand of rugby - so this is a big challenge for Glasgow.

“At altitude, Glasgow cannot afford to over play they will need to get the balance right. Their kicking game will be key and not allowing the Lions to dictate the pace. These two teams are try scorers and high point scoring teams in the league so it should be a great spectacle to watch.”

The league continues to showcase its global strength, with representation across all five URC nations. Three South African teams and three Irish sides currently sit inside the top eight, while Cardiff are flying the Welsh flag, underlining the depth and competitiveness of the competition.

Paterson believes the URC run-in is perfectly set up for a thrilling finish to the top eight quarter final places: “It’s that time of the season where we see how competitive the URC is, it’s so tight in the top eight and teams know every point matters with only four rounds to go, there’s a lot riding on every game

"There’s so much depth to the league which makes it really compelling Glasgow Warriors are still setting the pace out in front, Leinster are building momentum at the right time, and the South African teams are making a big imprint in these final stages - with that squeeze in the middle which means one result can completely reshape the table.”

Friday night sees a trio of URC games live on Premier Sports, as Edinburgh host Zebre Parma at Hive Stadium, with the Scots looking to respond after a difficult run of results, having won just once in their last eight matches in all competitions. That’s alongside a huge interprovincial derby at the Affidea stadium in Belfast as third placed Ulster host Leinster in fourth and sit just one point below their Irish rivals (live on Premier Sports 1 from 7.15pm). Plus there's Dragons RFC's clash with Vodacom Bulls at Rodney Parade in Newport.

Round 15 throws up crucial fixtures across the weekend including DHL Stormers v Connacht, with Connacht chasing a sixth straight win against a Stormers side strong at home. There’s a big Welsh derby in West Wales as Scarlets host sixth placed Cardiff with the visitors from the East looking to cement their place in the top eight (live on Premier Sports 2 from 5.15pm

Ospreys host Sharks in Bridgend, with both sides needing points to stay in contention as well as a mid-table battle between Benetton and Munster in Italy.

With every match carrying significant weight, the importance of home advantage continues to grow, as teams chase not just qualification but favourable seedings for the quarter-finals.

Paterson outlined the for Edinburgh to finish the season strongly: “Edinburgh have to use this block of games to build into next season - three of their last four are at home so that’s a real opportunity to finish strongly.

"This is about the here and now, but also the future. There’s a chance for younger players to hit the ground running and prove themselves ahead of next season. It’s about respecting the season, the fans and themselves to be on the front foot heading into next season.”

“Zebre won’t be taken lightly - they’ve caused Edinburgh problems in the past and play an open brand of rugby, but do have a number of their influential players missing.”