The BKT United Rugby Championship is back this weekend with a lineup of eight thrilling fixtures, as all four South African teams return to action for Round 2.
Leinster Rugby vs. Dragons RFC, Friday, 7.35pm
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan is upbeat as his side prepares to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, following a narrow 23-21 victory over the Ospreys last weekend. Flanagan expressed excitement about playing at the Aviva, Leinster’s home this season due to the redevelopment of the RDS. “What an opportunity, we can’t wait,” he said. Leinster, meanwhile, will see Cian Healy become their most capped player, making his 281st appearance, with international teammates Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy returning from their successful tour of South Africa.
Glasgow Warriors vs. Benetton Rugby, Friday, 7.35pm
Franco Smith faces his former team Benetton as Glasgow Warriors look to bounce back from a last-minute defeat to Ulster. Smith has made six changes to his side, with Adam Hastings starting after returning from Gloucester. Meanwhile, Benetton coach Marco Bortolami has called for a stronger performance after describing their second-half effort against Scarlets as "timid."
Emirates Lions vs. Ulster Rugby, Saturday, 11.55am
The Lions aim to rebound from their heartbreaking Currie Cup final loss to the Sharks as they kick off their BKT URC campaign. They face an Ulster side buoyed by an 85th-minute try that secured victory over Glasgow. Ulster coach Richie Murphy acknowledged the need for improvement despite their dramatic win.
Vodacom Bulls vs. Edinburgh Rugby, Saturday, 2pm
Having reached two finals in three seasons, the Bulls are set to push for the title this year. Coach Jake White is eager to build on their previous successes, while Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt is looking for better execution in the kicking game after their narrow loss to Leinster last weekend.
Zebre Parma vs. Munster Rugby, Saturday, 3pm
Munster travel to Italy after a hard-fought win over Connacht in a ten-try thriller. Coach Graham Rowntree was pleased with his team’s resilience but highlighted areas for improvement. Zebre, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their promising second-half performance against Cardiff, where they secured a losing bonus point.
Scarlets vs. Cardiff Rugby, Saturday, 5.15pm
Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies is set to make his 250th appearance for the Scarlets in this Welsh derby. Despite the absence of club captain Josh Macleod, Davies is confident ahead of the clash, recalling their two victories over Cardiff last season. Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt, however, believes form goes out the window in these derby matches and expects a tough encounter.
Ospreys vs. DHL Stormers, Saturday, 7.35pm
Ospreys coach Toby Booth is drawing confidence from their previous win over the Stormers in Cape Town. With the match moved to Bridgend’s Brewery Field, Booth hopes to use the intimate atmosphere to their advantage. The Stormers, starting a three-week European tour, are keen to kick off their campaign strongly with Director of Rugby John Dobson emphasizing the importance of performing well on the road.
Connacht Rugby vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Saturday, 7.35pm
The Sharks, fresh from winning the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Currie Cup, head to Galway aiming to improve on last season’s league performance. Coach John Plumtree praised his team’s resilience, while Connacht coach Pete Wilkins sees plenty of positives despite their narrow loss to Munster and is focused on building momentum against the South African visitors.