United Rugby Championship
BKT URC Round 14 preview: Six Nations stars return
Published
1 year agoon
As the BKT United Rugby Championship enters Round 14, the playoff race is heating up with several crucial derby matches and the return of international stars following the conclusion of the Six Nations. With just five points separating teams between 7th and 13th position, every match this weekend takes on added significance in the battle for the top eight.
Ulster Rugby v DHL Stormers
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – Friday 7:35pm
Form
Ulster enter this clash having secured a crucial bonus-point victory in Wales last weekend, staging a late rally to overcome Dragons 34-30 at Rodney Parade. That win lifted them to ninth in the BKT URC table. At home, they’ve been formidable at Kingspan Stadium this season, winning four of their six home fixtures. The Stormers also left it late to claim maximum points last weekend, securing their fourth try two minutes from time in a 29-17 win away to the Scarlets. That victory propelled them to eighth position, just one point ahead of Ulster, setting up a tense encounter between two teams firmly in the playoff mix.
Team News
It’s a milestone evening for Stuart McCloskey who makes his 200th appearance for Ulster, with Tom Stewart also in line for his 50th appearance if introduced from the bench. Michael Lowry starts at full-back with Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale completing a dangerous backline. Jack Murphy partners John Cooney in the half-backs. The Stormers welcome back centre Suleiman Hartzenberg and second row Connor Evans from injury, with Damian Willemse continuing at full-back. Ben Loader starts on the wing while Dewaldt Duvenage gets the nod at scrum-half. Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba and captain Neethling Fouche make up a powerful front row.
What They Said
“It’s 13 years since I started here in the Academy and 11 years since I played my first game,” McCloskey reflected. “The whole family is coming, so it will be special. I’m looking forward to getting another win hopefully. I just want to say a big thanks to everybody for all the support they have given me over the years – my family and all the fans.”
Teams
Ulster: Michael Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jack Murphy, John Cooney, Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (CAPT), Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, James McNabney, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Zac Ward
DHL Stormers: Damian Willemse, Ben Loader, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Dewaldt Duvenage, Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche (CAPT), Connor Evans, Ruben van Heerden, Dave Ewers, Marcel Theunissen, Evan Roos
Replacements: Andre-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Gary Porter, Willie Engelbrecht, Paul de Wet, Jurie Matthee, Wandisile Simelane
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 50th league game) AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Andrew Fogarty (IRFU)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)
Live on: BBC NI, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Edinburgh Rugby v Dragons RFC
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – Friday 7:35pm
Form
Edinburgh are looking to respond after suffering a late 21-18 defeat to Benetton last weekend, a result that damaged their playoff aspirations. They currently sit outside the top eight and need to return to winning ways on home soil. Their home record has been solid, winning four from six matches at the Hive Stadium this season. Dragons remain rooted to the bottom of the table but have been competitive in recent weeks, giving Ulster a real challenge last weekend before eventually falling to a 34-30 defeat. They’re still searching for their first away win of the campaign.
Team News
Edinburgh receive a significant boost with the return of six Scotland internationals. Wing duo Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, who both scored twice during the Six Nations, return to the starting XV. Matt Currie and James Lang form the centre partnership. Flanker Jamie Ritchie, prop Pierre Schoeman and lock Grant Gilchrist bolster the pack, while hooker Dave Cherry is named among the replacements. Ross Thompson starts at fly-half with Ben Vellacott at scrum-half. For Dragons, Tonga Test prop Paula Latu makes his first start after seven appearances from the bench, while winger Jared Rosser is set for his 100th appearance if introduced. Will Reed and Rhodri Williams form the half-back pairing, with Joe Westwood and Aneurin Owen in the centres.
What They Said
Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt said: “Every game in the URC has been tight in the last couple of months, so we have to make sure we execute as accurately as we can. The Dragons are a dangerous side, they win a lot of turnovers and can be really efficient and hurt you in the 22. They gave Ulster a hard time last weekend, so it’s not a team we can take lightly.”
Dragons Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: “Edinburgh are a good team. At home they play fast and like to play up tempo with a good set piece. It’s going to be a heck of a challenge in Scotland. We need to start well and keep building around how we apply pressure from minute one.”
Teams
Edinburgh Rugby: Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott (CO-CAPT), Pierre Schoeman, Paddy Harrison, D’arcy Rae, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (CO-CAPT), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury
Replacements: Dave Cherry, Boan Venter, Javan Sebastian, Glen Young, Freddy Douglas, Ali Price, Cammy Scott, Ross McCann
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen (CAPT), Ashton Hewitt, Will Reed, Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Elliot Dee, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Steve Cummins, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Nathan Evans, Barny Langton-Cryer, Taine Basham, Dane Blacker, Josh Thomas, Jared Rosser
Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 18th league game) AR 1: Jonny Perriam (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
Live on: Premier Sports, BBC Wales, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Vodacom Bulls v Zebre Parma
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – Saturday 12:45pm
Form
The Bulls are riding high after inflicting a first defeat of the season on league leaders Leinster with a dramatic 21-20 victory secured by David Kriel’s penalty with the final kick. That result kept them firmly in third place and strengthened their push for a top-two finish. They’ve won six of their seven home matches at Loftus Versfeld this season. Zebre pushed the Sharks all the way in Durban last weekend before eventually going down 35-34, a performance that belied their second-bottom position in the table. They’ve shown significant improvement in recent weeks despite having just one win all season.
Team News
Bulls coach Jake White has welcomed back captain Ruan Nortje and Simphiwe Matanzima to the squad, providing a timely boost as they look to maintain their position in the top three. Devon Williams starts at full-back with Sergeal Petersen and Stravino Jacobs on the wings. David Kriel, last week’s hero, continues at centre alongside Harold Vorster. For Zebre, full-back Geronimo Prisciantelli makes his 50th appearance for the club in a milestone game. Alessandro Fusco and Giovanni Montemauri form the half-back pairing, with Fetuli Paea and captain Enrico Lucchin in the centres. Up front, Luca Bigi captains the side from hooker.
What They Said
Bulls coach Jake White has been clear about the need for discipline improvement: “I’m not going to condone red cards, yellow cards, stupidity, because when we get to the knockout stages, we will lose those games. We need to be more smart. We can’t be stupid and think we are going to get to the back end of the competition and win it if we don’t make better decisions.”
Zebre Parma Head Coach Massimo Brunello said: “We are facing the Bulls this week, and it’s definitely another high-level match for us. Our goal is to be competitive, and if the result is also in our favour, we’ll be even happier. It’s clear that the Bulls are a strong team—they proved it last Saturday by beating Leinster. On Saturday, we have an extra motivation to perform well because Geronimo will reach 50 appearances. Doing it in such an iconic stadium, and with a strong team performance, would be an additional boost for everyone.”
Teams
Vodacom Bulls: Devon Williams, Sergeal Petersen, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, Keagan Johannes, Zak Burger, Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Ruan Vermaak, JF van Heerden, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Jannes Kirsten, Celimpilo ka Gumede
Replacements: Simphiwe Matanzima, Akker van der Merwe, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Marco van Staden, Nizaam Carr, Embrose Papier, Boeta Chamberlain
Zebre Parma: Geronimo Prisciantelli, Jacopo Trulla, Fetuli Paea, Enrico Lucchin, Alessandro Gesi, Giovanni Montemauri, Alessandro Fusco, Luca Rizzoli, Luca Bigi (CAPT), Muhamed Hasa, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov, Guido Volpi, Iacopo Bianchi, Davide Ruggeri
Replacements: Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Paolo Buonfiglio, Juan Pitinari, Francesco Ruffolo, Bautista Stavile, Ratko Jelic, Giacomo Da Re, Filippo Drago
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 88th league game) AR 1: Cwengile Jadezweni (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (SRU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Connacht Rugby v Munster Rugby
Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Mayo – Saturday 2:30pm
Form
Connacht sit 12th in the table and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive after a 43-40 defeat to Ospreys last weekend. They have been inconsistent at home this season with three wins and three losses. Head coach Cullie Tucker believes the league will go down to the wire: “I don’t think teams will be out of it until the last round.” Munster occupy sixth position and are looking to strengthen their top-eight credentials following a defeat to Glasgow Warriors. They’ve won three of their seven away matches this season and will be keen to get back to winning ways.
Team News
This historic match at MacHale Park sees both sides welcome back their international contingent. Connacht are boosted by the returns of Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, Mack Hansen and Cian Prendergast. Hansen starts at full-back with Chay Mullins and Finn Treacy on the wings. Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade form the half-back pairing. Munster welcome back captain Tadhg Beirne, Calvin Nash, Jack Crowley and Conor Murray, with the latter set to make his 200th appearance for the province. Craig Casey also returns from a long-term ankle injury to start at scrum-half, while Jean Kleyn is back on the bench after five months out with a quad issue. Ben O’Connor starts at full-back with Nash and Seán O’Brien on the wings.
What They Said
Connacht second row Joe Joyce said of the sold-out fixture at Mayo GAA’s home ground: “What an occasion it’s going to be. There has been so much excitement and chat about the game. It’s sold out, it’s going to be a special occasion. So, whoever takes the field, there’s a responsibility to do our best.”
Coach Cullie Tucker added: “The history and importance of this game is not lost on us. It’s going to be a fantastic occasion for us all to be involved in and it’s our job to deliver a performance befitting of that occasion.”
Teams
Connacht: Mack Hansen; Chay Mullins, Hugh Gavin, Bundee Aki, Finn Treacy; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray; Cian Prendergast (CAPT), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, JJ Hanrahan, Santiago Cordero
Munster: Ben O’Connor; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (CAPT); Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Ruadhán Quinn, Conor Murray, Rory Scannell, Alex Kendellen
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 58th league game) AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Padraic Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Scarlets v Ospreys
Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli – Saturday 3:00pm

BKT United Rugby Championship, Stadio di Monigo, Treviso, Italy 22/3/2025
Benetton Rugby vs Edinburgh
Scarlets’ Josh Macleod leads his team out
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Luca Sighinolfi
Form
The Scarlets sit 14th in the table but are just five points behind their seventh-placed opponents after narrowly losing 29-17 to the Stormers last weekend. Their home form has been disappointing with just two wins from six matches at Parc y Scarlets this season. The Ospreys have been in excellent form, beaten just once in the eight games since Mark Jones took over as head coach. They’ll be looking to avenge their 23-22 defeat to Scarlets back in December.
Team News
Wales international Blair Murray returns for Scarlets at full-back as the only change from last weekend’s defeat to the Stormers. Macs Page and Ellis Mee occupy the wing positions, with Joe Roberts and Eddie James in the centres. Ioan Lloyd continues at fly-half with Gareth Davies at scrum-half. For Ospreys, George McGuigan is named at hooker for his first start for the club. Wales captain Jac Morgan returns to skipper the side from openside flank, with international front-row duo Gareth Thomas and Dewi Lake also back on regional duty. Dan Edwards partners Kieran Hardy in the half-backs, with Owen Williams and Evardi Boshoff forming the centre partnership.
What They Said
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “It’s going to be a great occasion. You’ve got two sides that want to go out and play and two sides competing hard for the top eight. For West Wales rugby, that’s fantastic. It’s a big derby, a lot of tickets have been sold, the interest for the game is huge, which is great, and it’s exciting to be part of it.”
Ospreys Head Coach Mark Jones said: “We’re looking forward to the energy around this fixture. We’re expecting a great atmosphere and that will bring the best out of our players as well as the home team. Derby matches are one off games, they swing on small moments, so you can’t look too deep into any games in the past or future. We’re fully focused on Saturday.”
Teams
Scarlets: Blair Murray, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Ellis Mee, Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (CAPT), Taine Plumtree
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Sam O’Connor, Sam Wainwright, Jac Price, Jarrod Taylor, Efan Jones, Ioan Nicholas, Dan Davis
Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins, Luke Morgan, Evardi Boshoff, Owen Williams, Ryan Conbeer, Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy, Gareth Thomas, George McGuigan, Ben Warren, James Ratti, Adam Beard, Tristan Davies, Jac Morgan (CAPT), Morgan Morris
Replacements: Dewi Lake, Steffan Thomas, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Morgan Morse, Luke Davies, Phil Cokanasiga, Max Nagy
Referee: Griffin Colby (SARU, 6th league game) AR 1: Adam Jones (WRU) AR 2: Ellis Poulden (WRU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Hollywoodbets Sharks v Leinster Rugby
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – Saturday 5:15pm
Form
The fourth-placed Sharks maintained their unbeaten home record with a dramatic 35-34 win over Zebre last weekend, with Jordan Hendrikse converting Ethan Hooker’s try to secure the victory. They’ve won all six home matches at Hollywoodbets Kings Park this season. Leinster suffered their first defeat of the season against the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, going down 21-20 to a last-minute penalty. Despite the setback, they remain comfortable leaders at the top of the table.
Team News
The Sharks make two personnel changes with flanker James Venter and centre Andre Esterhuizen coming into the starting line-up. Ethan Hooker moves to the wing and Yaw Penxe goes to full-back in a backline reshuffle. Springbok stars Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche and Vincent Koch all start. Leinster have made eight changes to their side, with Fintan Gunne making his first start at scrum-half, while Alan Spicer is in line for a debut if introduced from the bench. Max Deegan captains the side from number eight, with experienced front-rower Cian Healy named in the starting XV. Jimmy O’Brien starts at full-back with Andrew Osborne and Tommy O’Brien on the wings.
What They Said
Leinster coach Leo Cullen said: “They’re very aggressive in the air and they get a lot of rewards there. They kick a fair bit from nine. They have a strong aerial game. Similarly to a lot of the South African teams, they will always challenge us at the set piece. Jason Jenkins is in their ranks so he’ll have a bit of an idea what it is we’re trying to do, which is always a bit of a danger. It’s a great challenge away from home in Durban. Hollywoodbets Kings Park is such an iconic stadium so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Teams
Hollywoodbets Sharks: Yaw Penxe, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi (CAPT)
Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ruan Dreyer, Corne’ Rahl, Manu Tshituka, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Francois Venter
Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Liam Turner, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne, Ciarán Frawley, Fintan Gunne, Cian Healy, John McKee, Thomas Clarkson, Diarmuid Mangan, Brian Deeny, Alex Soroka, Will Connors, Max Deegan (CAPT)
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Rory McGuire, Alan Spicer, Scott Penny, Oliver Coffey, Ross Byrne, Henry McErlean
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 9th league game) AR 1: Christopher Allison (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Benetton Rugby v Cardiff Rugby
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – Saturday 7:35pm
Form
Benetton secured a dramatic victory over Edinburgh in Round 13 to strengthen their playoff aspirations. They currently sit 10th in the table and have been strong at home, winning five from six matches at Stadio Monigo this season. Cardiff held on for a nail-biting 20-17 win against the Lions to move up to fifth in the table. They’ve won three of their seven away matches this campaign and will be looking to build on last weekend’s success.
Team News
Italy lock Niccolò Cannone has been named on the bench by Benetton as he returns from Six Nations duty. Ignacio Brex and Malakai Fekitoa form a formidable centre partnership, with Paolo Odogwu and Ignacio Mendy on the wings. Wales second row Teddy Williams, who featured in four Six Nations matches and scored against Scotland, will captain Cardiff. Rugby league convert Regan Grace makes his first URC start on the wing, while Harri Millard and Rory Jennings form the centre partnership. Callum Sheedy starts at fly-half with Ellis Bevan at scrum-half.
What They Said
Cardiff’s Teddy Williams said: “The table is so close. Most of the teams are pretty close. It was a massive win for us over the Lions last weekend. They are obviously a team very close to us in the table. It was one where we go up and they stay, so it was a bit of a six-pointer, as they say in football. We put pressure on ourselves to deliver and we did it with that win. Hopefully, we can use that to kick start our last block of games. It’s a good position to be in where pretty much every match is really important. It’s nice to be playing games that are meaningful results-wise.”
Benetton Head Coach Marco Bortolami said: “Our only focus is to bring home the result against Cardiff – the choices were made to field the best possible squad, giving continuity compared to last week with a couple of changes among the 23. Unfortunately, we have to do without Izekor due to injury and Menoncello as his physical indicators have pushed us to give him a precautionary rest.”
Teams
Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Ignacio Brex, Malakai Fekitoa, Paolo Odogwu, Tomas Albornoz, Andy Uren; Thomas Gallo, Bautista Bernasconi, Giosué Zilocchi, Scott Scrafton, Eli Snyman (CAPT), Riccardo Favretto, Manuel Zuliani, Toa Halafihi
Replacements: Siua Maile, Mirco Spagnolo, Simone Ferrari, Niccolò Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Michele Lamaro, Alessandro Garbisi, Jacob Umaga
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Harri Millard, Rory Jennings, Regan Grace, Callum Sheedy, Ellis Bevan, Danny Southworth, Evan Lloyd, Rhys Litterick, Ben Donnell, Teddy Williams (CAPT), James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence
Replacements: Dafydd Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Alex Mann, Thomas Young, Johan Mulder, Ben Thomas
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 19th league game) AR 1: Filippo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Darlo Merli (FIR)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Glasgow Warriors v Emirates Lions
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – Saturday 7:35pm
Form
Second-placed Glasgow will be looking to maintain their challenge for a home playoff route following their 28-21 victory over Munster last weekend. They boast a strong home record, having won all six matches at Scotstoun Stadium this season. The Lions nearly pulled off a significant win in Cardiff last week, being held up over the line twice in the dying minutes. They currently sit 13th but remain in the playoff hunt, just four points outside the top eight.
Team News
South African second row JP Du Preez makes his first start for Glasgow since returning from long-term injury. Kyle Rowe starts at full-back with Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn on the wings. Tom Jordan and Stafford McDowall form the centre pairing, while Adam Hastings and George Horne are the half-backs. For the Lions, Ruan Venter makes his 50th appearance for the franchise. Quan Horn starts at full-back with Richard Kriel and Edwill van der Merwe on the wings. Manuel Rass and captain Marius Louw form the centre partnership. Gianni Lombard and Nico Steyn are the half-back pairing.
What They Said
Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye said: “Last week was a missed opportunity. We reviewed our game and we played really well. Just being clinical at the finishing stages, that’s been a work-on this week – finishing opportunities when we get into those zones. Here in Europe, it’s a bit different. There’s a lot of things that factor into the end result, in that if you don’t really capitalise, the home team knows how to play the conditions. So we need to be better in that aspect.”
Teams
Glasgow Warriors: Kyle Rowe, Jamie Dobie, Stafford McDowall, Tom Jordan, Kyle Steyn (CAPT), Adam Hastings, George Horne; Nathan McBeth, Grant Stewart, Sam Talakai, Gregor Brown, JP du Preez, Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Jack Mann
Replacements: Johnny Matthews, Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson, Alex Samuel, Henco Venter, Rory Darge, Ben Afshar, Sebastian Cancelliere
Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Richard Kriel, Manuel Rass, Marius Louw, Edwill van der Merwe, Gianni Lombard, Nico Steyn, Juan Schoeman, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Darrien Landsberg, JC Pretorius, Ruan Venter, Francke Horn (CAPT)
Replacements: Franco Marais, SJ Kotze, RF Schoeman, Ruan Delport, Siba Qoma, Layton Horn, Jarod Cairns, Rynhardt Jonker
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 37th league game) AR 1: Ru Campbell (SRU) AR 2: Fin Brown (SRU)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
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United Rugby Championship
BKT United Rugby Championship Round 14 review
Published
5 days agoon
30th March 2026
Glasgow Warriors remain top of the pile in the BKT URC after a weekend that saw a series of crucial clashes between play-off rivals in the Race to the Eight.
The league leaders recorded a 31-10 bonus point victory against Benetton Rugby at Scotstoun as Franco Smith put one over on the team he used to coach.
Glasgow trailed 10-7 at half-time, but then rattled up 21 unanswered points after the break with winger Fergus Watson scoring one of their five tries as he marked his debut with a Player of the Match display.
That’s now 15 wins out of 18 games in all competitions this season for the Scottish side who have a home Investec Champions Cup Ronud of 16 tie against the Vodacom Bulls coming up next weekend.
But head coach Smith insists there is no chance of them getting carried away with their lofty position.
“Fortunately, we had a first half like this which actually humbles you a little bit and makes sure everybody’s feet stays on the floor and that we are very well connected in what we should do and not what we want,” he said.
“That has got to be the message – stop worrying about where we are and how it is and hopefully we can get it done anyway.”
As for what his half-time team-talk had entailed, he said: “We felt we weren’t as confrontational as we were last week and that was addressed.”
Not for the first time this season, Glasgow racked up the points in the second half, so what does Smith put that trend down to?
“It’s belief and trust in the boys and the fact we want to continue to play when the opposition gets a little bit tired, I suppose.
“The more you score points in that part of the game, the more the players believe they must stick in the fight.
“I am proud of the hard work that has gone in from everybody in the club. It’s really coming off. There’s a big end of the season ahead of us now.”
The DHL Stormers remain in second spot having claimed a 33-14 bonus point victory over Edinburgh Rugby in Cape Town.
In front of the league’s biggest crowd of the weekend – 21,487 – they pulled away in the final quarter with No 8 Evan Roos completing a try double.
That takes him level with Connacht’s Sean Jansen and Leinster’s Joshua Kenny as the joint top try-scorer in the BKT URC this season, with all three having touched down nine times.
Roos, who picked up the BKT URC Player of the Match, said: “I am just enjoying it and I think the team is clicking well now. It’s fun.
“We understand our roles and everyone buys into it, which is awesome. The tries are just a nice bonus for me.”
Ulster Rugby are in third after claiming the only away win of the weekend, pulling clear to secure the maximum as they beat Zebre Parma 28-12 in a game where the sides were tied at 7-7 at the break.
Their skipper Iain Henderson said: “Had you said to me yesterday we were going to come here and get a bonus point win, I’d have bitten your hand off for it.
“Zebre are always difficult to play at home, so we knew it was going to be a tough night at the office. Plenty of things we can do better, but happy with the outcome.”
Then it’s Leinster Rugby in fourth with the defending champions having also moved through the gears in the second half after taking until the 29th minute to open their account.
They recovered from that slow start to beat the Scarlets 36-19 at the Aviva Stadium, with two-try winger Tommy O’Brien named BKT URC Player of the Match.
Head coach Leo Cullen said: “The Scarlets came with plenty and tested us in lots of different areas. We are delighted to get a win and score six tries. If you had offered me 36-19 beforehand, I would have been pretty happy.”
The Fidelity SecureDrive Lions have shot up to fifth having made it four league wins in a row by beating Dragons RFC 42-26 in Johannesburg where scrum-half Nico Steyn scored two of their six tries.
Cardiff Rugby have dropped down to sixth after losing 21-15 to the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban, with the hard-fought win for the Sharks keeping their play-off hopes very much alive.
Munster Rugby and the Vodacom Bulls stand seventh and eighth respectively to complete the current play-off berths after serving up one of the games of the season at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld.
Bouncing back from last weekend’s 45-0 defeat to the Sharks, the Irish visitors outscored their South African hosts by five tries to four, with flanker Thomas Ahern crossing twice.
But the boot of Handre Pollard ultimately proved decisive as the Bulls posted a 34-31 bonus point victory, with their scrum-half Embrose Papier scorching over for a brace of tries and teenage winger Cheswill Jooste showing his huge potential with a searing strike from distance.
For Munster, there was the significant consolation of two losing bonus points which could prove vital in the Race to the Eight.
Their coach Clayton McMillan said: “You always want to win, but it’s a decent reward for the effort the boys put in. It was a huge improvement on last week. I am proud of the boys. It’s going to be a real race to the finish.”
There was another clash between play-off hopefuls in Galway where Connacht Rugby beat the Ospreys 21-15, with replacement scrum-half Matthew Devine racing over for the decisive try six minutes from time.
It was a fifth straight league victory for the west of Ireland province, but their skipper Paul Boyle was far from satisfied.
“It’s nice to be five from five, but we will all be pretty gutted we didn’t get the bonus,” said the No 8.
“We weren’t good enough across all facets of the game. It’s a small step back compared to the last few weeks. There were just so many areas we weren’t at the top of our game. It’s quite disappointing.”
Giving his thoughts, Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said: “We played much better than last week. We had our chances. The game is about moments and we just lost a couple of big moments.”
Connacht are now just a point off the play-offs with only four points separating fifth and ninth as the Race to the Eight hots up, with 15 of the 16 teams still mathematically in contention.
Cardiff seeing the bigger picture
Cardiff know from painful experience just how important every single point is in the race for the BKT URC play-offs.
So, while they were disappointed to lose 21-15 to the Sharks in Durban, they know the bonus they picked up in defeat could prove a crucial consolation.
Last season, the Arms Park outfit missed out on the play-offs by just a point after being in the top eight for most of the campaign.
As such, they know to value the losing bonus point they secured courtesy of Ioan Lloyd’s late penalty at Kings Park on Friday night.
It’s kept them in the top six with four rounds of league matches left to play.
Summing up the mood in the camp, fly-half Callum Sheedy said: “It hurts that we lost because we are competitive professionals.
“The feeling in the dressing room immediately after the game was disappointment that we didn’t come away with a four or five point set.
“But I think in the bigger picture it’s going to be a good point in the long run.
“We’ve seen how close the table gets at the end of the season. Last year, we missed out by a point, so every point is definitely crucial.
“We’ve got a big finish to the season coming up now.”
Cardiff led after half an hour thanks to a brace of well executed tries from wing Mason Grady, but a double by flanker Phepsi Buthelezi helped the Sharks take a 21-12 interval lead.
That was to be the end of the scoring until full-back Lloyd landed the bonus point penalty seven minutes from time.
Reflecting on Cardiff’s gutsy display, Sheedy said: “Some of our defensive sets, especially in the second half, were massive.
“To hold a team like the Sharks – with their physical runners – for 12, 13 phases really shows the culture we have in the squad
“If we had been a little bit more clinical in the 22 towards the end, we could have got the win. Little moments, little inaccuracies probably cost us.
“But I’m really proud of the boys, really proud of the performance.”
The narrow loss to the Sharks followed a 40-7 defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.
Giving his thoughts on the experience of touring South Africa, Sheedy said: “It’s amazing.
“Last year was actually my first time here and I think it was probably my favourite rugby trip of my life. I absolutely loved it.
“It really is a rugby mad country. Everyone has got the Springbok jersey on and the fans absolutely love it. It’s class to be fair.”
Adding his views on the game against the Sharks, head coach Corniel van Zyl said: “You could see the boys gave it their all and the fight was great. It was close at the end, but we just came up short, so still lots to work on.
“Last season, when we toured South Africa, we didn’t get a point, but this year we have one point, so that’s definitely the positive.”
What’s coming next?
There’s now a two week break from BKT URC action as the focus switches to the knock-out stages of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.
All but two of the BKT URC teams are involved in next weekend’s last 16 matches in the two competitions with a number of them facing each other.
You’ve got Glasgow v Vodacom Bulls and Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby in the Champions Cup, while it’s Connacht Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks, Benetton v Cardiff Rugby and Ospreys v Ulster Rugby in the Challenge Cup.
The following week sees the Quarter-Finals and then it’s back to BKT URC action with Round 15 on the weekend of April 17-18. That involves a couple of derbies with Ulster hosting Leinster in a big Belfast top four clash, while the Scarlets entertain Cardiff in Wales.
United Rugby Championship
I’ve been at the Ospreys for so long, I’m part of the furniture
Published
1 week agoon
25th March 2026
Some wise words from a Wales great have proved to be spot on when it comes to Reuben Morgan-Williams’ rugby journey.
The Ospreys scrum-half is now a decade into his career, but readily admits it has gone by like a flash.
“I was thinking about it the other day because it’s ten years since I played for Wales U20s,” says the 28-year-old.
“I remember when I was 18, Dan Lydiate used to say ‘Boys, you’ll be 28 before you know it’ and here I am now!
“I never used to believe him back then. It’s strange when you look back. It feels like a while ago, but it happens so fast.
“The appearances just seem to rack up. It’s a strange one again in terms of how the time goes. When I had my 100th a couple of seasons ago, I didn’t think I had played 100 games.”
He made his debut for the region way back in September 2017 when he was still a teenager.
“I’ve been at the Ospreys for so long, I’m part of the furniture,” he says.
“The boys are great and the coaches as well. The group of boys we have are so tight. I love the Ospreys. It’s where I’m from.”
The Neath-born Morgan-Williams is set to make his 130th appearance in Saturday’s crucial BKT URC clash with play-off rivals Connacht Rugby in Galway.
He is firmly established as a key figure in the set-up, with his skill set and decision making, while he’s also highly elusive as he demonstrated by beating more defenders (eight) than any other player in last weekend’s round of league matches.
His fine form has seen him included in Wales’ last three international squads. He made his Test debut in the victory over Japan in Kobe last summer and added a second cap against South Africa in November.
He wasn’t to add to that tally during the recent Six Nations when he was left with a watching brief as Tomos Williams and his Ospreys colleague Kieran Hardy took on the scrum-half duties.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s always tough when you don’t get an opportunity,” he admits.
“You are training every day and you are pushing for a spot, but that’s international rugby at the end of the day.
“I’ve just got to keep pushing on and hopefully get a good run of form towards the end of the season and try again in the summer.”
Morgan-Williams says the competition with fellow No 9 Hardy – for both club and country – has benefited his own game.
“Obviously, we both want the starting jersey. To have a player like that to go against is good. It’s always good to have competition. It pushes you on,” he said.
“To be fair, I’ve always been here with good scrum-halves, with the likes of Rhys Webb. You learn from all different people who come in.
“Kieran is obviously a class player and I feel like it’s pushed me forward with my game having him here. We bounce off each other well.”
For both scrum-halves and the rest of the squad, the focus for the remainder of the season is firmly on the battle for BKT URC play-off spots.
Having lost 31-19 to Benetton Rugby in Treviso last weekend, the Ospreys are now six points off the top eight down in tenth spot.
So it will be a huge game for them when they take on ninth-placed Connacht this weekend.
“When it gets to this part of the season, it does seem like every game is a cup game,” said Morgan-Williams.
“The way the table is, it ends up being every game is a must-win. It is throughout the year, but you get more of a visual of it as you get closer to the end of the season. Hopefully we will get over the line.”
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones is full of praise for Morgan-Williams, who cites Shane Williams as his rugby hero.
“He has been awesome. I have really enjoyed working with Reuben,” said Jones.
“He’s a really coachable guy. I can’t give him enough compliments. When he’s around our squad, we are a better team for it.
“The Ospreys have had some awesome nines over the years, if you go back to Justin Marshall, Mike Phiillips, Jason Spice and Rhys Webb.
“Reuben was in the squad with Rhys, a British Lion, a top international player, so he had to be really patient and fight his way into the team.
“But I think he’s really grown his game. He’s a real competitor and he’s got a real appetite on both sides of the ball. He injects speed into the game.
“What I like about him is his personality. He’s just straight talking, no messing around, tells you what he thinks.”
United Rugby Championship
Ageless Bundee Aki wearing his heart on his sleeve for Connacht
Published
1 week agoon
25th March 2026
Bundee Aki is ready to keep on going for as long as he can and there is certainly no sign of his powers waning.
The Connacht Rugby and Ireland centre will turn 36 next month, but he remains a mighty physical presence out on the pitch.
He confirmed that with his contribution to the Triple Crown-clinching victory over Scotland in the final round of the Six Nations and then again with a BKT URC Player of the Match display in Connacht’s statement victory away to Ulster Rugby on the weekend.
The Auckland-born Aki made 14 carries, put in 11 tackles and claimed two breakdown steals in the 26-19 bonus point triumph at Belfast’s Affidea Stadium.
It was the perfect way for him to celebrate having just signed a one-year contract extension with the IRFU.
Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to stay for another year and I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ll put my heart out for this club, and I’ll put my heart out for this country as much as I can and for as long as I can.”
Reflecting on the Belfast showdown with Ulster, he said: “We knew it was going to be tough. It’s a hard place to come and play. It’s a hostile area.
“Ulster are a great team; they are well coached. We knew we had to dig deep and big credit to the boys for doing that.
“It’s an inter-pro and I think the biggest part of an inter-pro is physicality. It goes a long way. Physicality was one of the big parts of our game.
“Inter-pros are great to play in. I love inter-pros. You’ve got guys playing up against each other and there’s a lot to prove.”
That’s now four BKT URC wins on the trot for play-off chasing Connacht who are up to ninth in the table and level on points with the eighth-placed Vodacom Bulls as they look ahead to Saturday’s meeting with the Ospreys in Galway.
The 69-cap Aki said: “The boys who have been playing for the last couple of weeks have dug in well and put in a good platform for the boys that have been away in Ireland camp to come back and perform well.”
Head coach Stuart Lancaster was full of praise for his veteran centre.
“He was involved in a huge game with Ireland the previous weekend,” he said.
“In my mind, I am thinking ‘Is he good to go?’
“So, I spoke to him and said ‘Are you good to go?’ and he said ‘Yeah, I’m good to go’.
“He trained really well. He trained on the Monday, even after winning the Triple Crown with Ireland.
“Bundee was on great form. The energy he brings is amazing. It’s great to have him back.”
Along with Aki, fellow Irish Six Nations squad members Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast and Billy Bohan also rolled up their sleeves to start against Ulster.
“To double down and play in an inter-pro and give so much shows what the club means to them,” said Lancaster.
“They were delighted in the changing room.”
Two-try winger Finn Treacy echoed his coach in praising the returning Six Nations contingent.
“Getting the Ireland boys back in, they really drove and led the week. They gave us such belief, helping us younger lads,” he said.
“We knew how tough the challenge was going to be. Ulster are playing very good rugby and they were undefeated at home this season. It’s such a tough place to come.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be any walkover. It was going to need a full 80 minute performance.
“But there was just a confidence there in the group that we were going to do it. We have that inner belief now. We’ve got momentum these last few games.
“It was a really proud performance for Connacht. There was some feeling there at the end.”
There was also yet another touchdown for No 8 Sean Jansen who is the BKT URC’s leading try scorer this season with nine.
“We talked about this being our glass ceiling moment,” said the man from Dunedin.
“We feel like we are going on a run. The boys are starting to click. You can see in our defence. The boys are tight and they are loving it. What a feeling!
“We have got the Ospreys next weekend now, so hopefully we keep our run going and we get into that eight.”
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