Munster stare at a make‑or‑break weekend in Galway, knowing a slip could hand the Lions a decisive edge. Back‑rower Gavin Coombes insists the squad’s unity fuels belief in a repeat of last year’s title, saying the group feels “tight and connected”. They travel to face the Lions next, turning the last two rounds into a must‑win marathon.

Cardiff push for a late points haul to preserve Welsh interest after last season’s narrow miss to the Scarlets. Coach Corniel van Zyl admits the maths are messy but insists the squad controls its fate, urging maximum points against the competition’s top two. A Bulls win at Scarlets kept them seventh and earned a home tie with Zebre or Benetton, potentially a home quarter‑final at altitude in Pretoria.

Ulster, rebounding from a disastrous 2024‑25 season, aim to finish strong despite back‑to‑back URC defeats. Challenge Cup finalists host the league’s top two in Belfast, with scrum‑half Nathan Doak vowing to build on the semi‑final triumph over Exeter. Home advantage at the Kingspan Stadium adds pressure, and a victory would also guarantee a coveted home quarter‑final.