The BKT United Rugby Championship returns for Round 11 with a blockbuster weekend of fixtures as teams look to head into the Six Nations break on a high. Glasgow Warriors hold top spot on 39 points after their emphatic victory over Zebre Parma, while the DHL Stormers dropped to second following their shock 30-19 defeat to the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Cape Town. With just four points separating first from third, and the battle for play-off positions intensifying, this weekend’s action promises drama across all eight fixtures.

The South African coastal derby takes centre stage as the Sharks and Stormers meet again in Durban, just seven days after their Cape Town encounter. Meanwhile, the Jukskei derby between the Lions and Vodacom Bulls at Ellis Park carries significant play-off implications for both Gauteng sides.

In Europe, league leaders Glasgow host a Munster side desperate to arrest their recent slide, while champions Leinster welcome Edinburgh to the Aviva Stadium in a Champions Cup last-16 preview. The Welsh derbies see Ospreys entertain Dragons at Brewery Field amidst ongoing uncertainty over the future of Welsh professional rugby, with Ulster welcoming Cardiff to Belfast in what promises to be a fascinating clash between two of the league’s form sides.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#BENvSCA

• Nelson Casartelli in line for his debut for Benetton if called upon from the bench
• First BKT URC start for 18-year-old Scarlets fly-half Carwyn Leggatt-Jones

#GLAvMUN

• Dylan Cockburn and Matthew Urwin could make professional debuts for Glasgow Warriors if called upon from the bench
• 21-year-old Munster Academy back row Seán Edogbo keeps his place in the side with 19-year-old Academy out-half Tom Wood among the replacements and in line for his debut for the province

#LIOvBUL

• Springbok Quan Horn named at full-back for the Lions alongside Angelo Davids and Richard Kriel
• Embrose Papier starts for the Vodacom Bulls

#SHAvSTO

• Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka come into Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV
• Evan Roos and Adre Smith return from injury for DHL Stormers

#ZEBvCON

• Leonard Krumov will captain Zebre Parma
• Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce, Sean O’Brien and Chay Mullins come into Connacht’s starting XV

#LEIvEDI

• Ciarán Mangan and Ruben Moloney will make their first starts for Leinster in the BKT URC
• Edinburgh welcome back Freddy Douglas, Magnus Bradbury and Duhan van der Merwe from Scotland camp

#OSPvDRA

• Sam Parry and Jack Walsh co-captain the Ospreys side
• Seb Davies returns in second row for Dragons RFC

#ULSvCAR

• First starts of season for Ulster’s Marcus Rea, Ben Carson and Ethan McIlroy with Ben Moxham named upon his return from injury
• Leigh Halfpenny named in Cardiff Rugby matchday squad to face Ulster, 17 years after making his debut for the club in Belfast

Friday, 30 January

Benetton v Scarlets

Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

Benetton arrive at this fixture having suffered back-to-back defeats, slipping to 10th in the standings with 19 points from ten matches. Their inconsistent season has seen them struggle to build momentum, though they remain in contention for the top eight. The Scarlets, meanwhile, travel to Italy in improved spirits after an impressive 27-22 victory over Ulster last weekend, with Ellis Mee’s 83rd-minute try breaking Northern hearts in Llanelli. That win marked their third success in nine games as they look to climb away from 15th place.

Team news

Nelson Casartelli is in line for his Benetton debut should he be called upon from the bench, adding depth to the Italian side’s options. The hosts name Rhyno Smith at full-back with Ignacio Mendy and Onisi Ratave on the wings. Malakai Fekitoa and Paolo Odogwu form a powerful midfield combination.

The Scarlets hand 18-year-old Carwyn Leggatt-Jones his first BKT URC start at fly-half, a bold selection that underlines Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies’ faith in youth. Captain Johnny Williams leads from inside centre, while Jac Davies returns at full-back.

Benetton: Rhyno Smith, Ignacio Mendy, Paolo Odogwu, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Nicolas Roger Farias, Andy Uren (CAPT), Thomas Gallo, Siua Maile, Marcos Gallorini, Giulio Marini, Eli Snyman, Alessandro Izekor, Jadin Kingi, So’otala Fa’aso’o
Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Destiny Aminu, Tiziano Pasquali, Scott Scrafton, Nelson Casartelli, Alessandro Garbisi, Matt Gallagher, Filippo Drago

Scarlets: Jac Davies, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams (CAPT), Tomi Lewis; Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Archer Holz, Jac Price, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Jarrod Taylor, Fletcher Anderson
Replacements: Harry Thomas, Josh Morse, Henry Thomas, Jake Ball, Dan Davis, Dane Blacker, Billy McBryde, Iori Badham

What they said

Benetton Head Coach Calum MacRae: “Scarlets are one of the BKT URC teams that uses the kicking game the most and builds their opportunities through territorial control. The aerial game is an area we definitely need to improve.”

Scarlets Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies: “We have looked at these BKT URC games, Ulster and Benetton, as a two-game series and it’s important we back up last weekend’s win – we’ve done the first bit, now our focus is on another massive game. Benetton have recruited well, are coached well and play a good brand of rugby. Like us, they have players missing but will still be very strong. We have selected a side with a lot of talented young players who I am excited to see step up to the challenge on Friday night.”

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 113th league game)
AR 1: Clara Munarini (FIR) AR 2: Bisetto Luca (FIR)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Glasgow Warriors v Munster Rugby

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

Glasgow Warriors have established themselves as the form side in European rugby this season. The 2024 champions sit top of the standings on 39 points with eight wins from ten matches and have won their last four consecutive games. Their only defeat in the last eight URC fixtures was a 23-0 loss at Scarlets in Round 6. Franco Smith’s side have lost just twice at Scotstoun since December 2023, making this a daunting trip for the visitors.

Munster’s season has hit turbulent waters. Clayton McMillan’s side ended a four-game losing streak with victory over Dragons last weekend, but their 28-3 defeat to Ulster on New Year’s Day exposed significant vulnerabilities. They sit fifth with 34 points, five behind Glasgow, and have lost their last two visits to Scotstoun.

Team news

Glasgow could hand professional debuts to Dylan Cockburn and Matthew Urwin if called upon from the bench, continuing their policy of developing young talent. Captain Stafford McDowall leads from outside centre, while Josh McKay returns at full-back. Ollie Smith shifts to the wing with Kerr Yule partnering McDowall in midfield.

Munster make four personnel changes and two positional switches following their Dragons victory. Mike Haley returns at full-back with Thaakir Abrahams maintaining his place on the wing. The exciting 21-year-old Academy back row Seán Edogbo keeps his starting spot, while 19-year-old Academy out-half Tom Wood – son of former Ireland hooker Keith Wood – is among the replacements and could make his debut for the province.

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (CAPT), Kerr Yule, Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster, Ben Afshar, Jamie Bhatti, Seb Stephen, Murphy Walker, Alex Craig, Jare Oguntibeju, Euan Ferrie, Angus Fraser, Ally Miller
Replacements: Grant Stewart, Nathan McBeth, Sam Talakai, Dylan Cockburn, Sione Vailanu, Macenzzie Duncan, Jack Oliver, Matthew Urwin

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley, Thaakir Abrahams, Shane Daly, Dan Kelly, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan, Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron (CAPT), Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley, Seán Edogbo, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson
Replacements: Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, John Ryan, Gavin Coombes, Jack O’Donoghue, Paddy Patterson, Tom Wood, Seán O’Brien

What they said

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith: “We are looking forward to seeing our full squad involved this weekend, with everyone eager to finish this block in the right manner. Munster are a proud club with a strong heritage of challenging across all competitions – they will be pushing for the top four once again this season and will bring a strong, physical challenge tomorrow night. Everyone is looking forward to the test that lies ahead, and running out in front of what’s set to be another sold out Scotstoun.”

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 72nd league game)
AR 1: Ian Kenny (SRU) AR 2: David Sutherland (SRU)
TMO: Adam Jones (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Saturday, 31 January

Lions v Vodacom Bulls

Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA / 14.30 SA

Form guide

The Jukskei derby takes on added significance with both Gauteng rivals battling for play-off positions. The Lions sit seventh on 24 points after their dramatic 24-24 draw with Ospreys last weekend, having previously shocked the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in November. Ivan van Rooyen’s side have never lost at Ellis Park in URC history, winning all four previous meetings at the iconic venue.

The Bulls have arrested their seven-game losing streak with back-to-back wins in Pau and Edinburgh during their European tour, but face a stern test at altitude. Johan Ackermann’s men sit ninth on 20 points and need victory to stay in touch with the play-off places. Captain Ruan Nortje has failed a late fitness test, while Willie le Roux remains on Springbok rest protocol.

Team news

The Lions make just one change from the side that drew with Ospreys, with Jarod Cairns coming into the starting XV at blindside flanker ahead of Renzo du Plessis, who drops to the bench. Springbok Quan Horn is named at full-back alongside the electric Angelo Davids and Richard Kriel, while captain Francke Horn leads from No.8.

The Bulls have rung the changes, pivoting from last week’s Edinburgh combination to a side built for speed. Embrose Papier is promoted to start at scrum-half, signalling a desire for more tempo. Harold Vorster moves from the bench into the No.12 jersey with Stedman Gans at outside centre. Devon Williams takes over at full-back from the rested Willie le Roux, with Stravino Jacobs earning a wing berth. Reinhardt Ludwig replaces the injured Nortje in the engine room.

Lions: Quan Horn, Angelo Davids, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Richard Kriel, Chris Smith, Morne van den Berg, SJ Kotze, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Reinhard Nothnagel, Jarod Cairns, Batho Hlekani, Francke Horn (CAPT)
Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Erich Cronje

Vodacom Bulls: Devon Williams, Stravino Jacobs, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Elrich Louw, Jeandre Rudolph
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, David Kriel

What they said

Vodacom Bulls Head Coach Johan Ackermann: “The DNA of the Lions of being a running team is still there, so I expect them to play a fast game at Ellis Park because it was always one of our go-to strategies when I coached there. I think it will be an entertaining game.”

Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 20th league game)
AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Sean Muller (SARU)
TMO: Egon Seconds (SARU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Hollywoodbets Sharks v DHL Stormers

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

Form guide

This return coastal derby arrives just seven days after the Sharks stunned the previously unbeaten Stormers 30-19 at Cape Town Stadium. JP Pietersen’s side produced their finest performance of the season, with captain Andre Esterhuizen supreme throughout. The Sharks have climbed to 11th on 19 points but still have work to do to secure play-off football.

The Stormers’ eight-match winning streak ended in chastening fashion in Cape Town, with their slow starts proving costly once again. John Dobson’s side remain second on 36 points but must address the issues that have seen them concede early in both home matches since Christmas. They have never won in Durban since the URC era began.

Team news

The Sharks strengthen considerably with World Cup winner Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka coming into the starting XV. Springbok trio Ox Nche, Grant Williams and Edwill van der Merwe all start, while captain Andre Esterhuizen leads from inside centre. Aphelele Fassi returns at full-back with Jordan Hendrikse continuing at fly-half after an excellent display last weekend.

The Stormers welcome back the influential Evan Roos from injury to take the No.8 jersey, while Adré Smith adds ballast to the second row. Damian Willemse moves to full-back with Jonathan Roche and Wandisile Simelane forming the midfield partnership. Dylan Maart replaces the out-of-form Suleiman Hartzenberg on the wing. Notably, the Stormers have opted against their usual 6/2 bench split.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen (CAPT), Jaco Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi
Replacements: Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius

DHL Stormers: Damian Willemse, Dylan Maart, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (CAPT), Cobus Reinach, Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon, Paul de Villiers, Ruben van Heerden, Adré Smith, Neethling Fouché, André-Hugo Venter, Oli Kebble
Replacements: JJ Kotzé, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zachary Porthen, JD Schickerling, Marcel Theunissen, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee, Warrick Gelant

What they said

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson: “Playing back-to-back derbies against the same opposition is a fairly unique situation, and we are desperate to put in a more convincing performance than we managed at home last week. We have been boosted by the return from injury of some key players, and you can be sure that all 23 will be going out there to show what it means to play in our jersey for our fans.”

Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 7th league game)
AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Zebre Parma v Connacht Rugby

Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

Form guide

Zebre’s season continues to frustrate, with Massimo Brunello’s men having lost their last eight consecutive URC fixtures since opening the campaign with two victories. They sit bottom on 12 points and have hosted Connacht in Parma 13 times, winning just twice – both in 2017.

Connacht travel to Italy on the back of a disappointing 34-23 defeat to Leinster at their new-look Dexcom Stadium. Stuart Lancaster’s men sit 14th on 16 points, just four ahead of Zebre, and have won just once away from home in the league since October 2024 – a 22-12 victory against today’s opponents in May.

Team news

Leonard Krumov will captain Zebre Parma, with Giovanni Montemauri named at full-back and Martin Roger Farias partnering Gonzalo Garcia at half-back. The Italian side show five changes from their defeat to Glasgow.

Connacht make five changes with Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce, Sean O’Brien and Chay Mullins all coming into the starting XV. Captain Paul Boyle leads from the back row, while Josh Ioane continues at fly-half. Sam Gilbert starts at full-back with the exciting Chay Mullins on the wing.

Zebre Parma: Giovanni Montemauri, Mirko Belloni, Giulio Bertaccini, Marco Zanon, Simone Gesi, Martin Roger Farias, Gonzalo Garcia, Paolo Buonfiglio, Giampietro Ribaldi, Enrique Pieretto, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov (CAPT), Giacomo Ferrari, Iacopo Bianchi, Davide Ruggeri
Replacements: Shilo Klein, Luca Franceschetto, Juan Pitinari, Franco Carrera, Alessandro Ortombina, Thomas Dominguez, Enrico Lucchin, Bautista Stavile

Connacht Rugby: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Jordan Duggan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle (CAPT), Sean O’Brien, Sean Jansen
Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Niall Murray, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton, Oisín McCormack

What they said

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster: “We were all gutted not to win last week on such a special night for the club, but we’ve had to quickly move on. The same amount of points are on offer this weekend and we know a win will keep us in the hunt for a playoff spot. We’re obviously missing the lads away on Ireland duty but overall, we’ve been able to keep selection relatively consistent these last few weeks, particularly in the backs. It’s been a long stretch of games, but we’ll do everything we can to finish it on a high and hopefully head into the next block of games with a spring in our step.”

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 113th league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Lorenzo Pedezzi (FIR)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)
Live on: Sky Italia, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby

Aviva Stadium, Dublin – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA

Form guide

Champions Leinster are looking to make it 11 wins in a row across all competitions as they welcome Edinburgh in what serves as a preview of their Champions Cup last-16 clash in April. Since losing three of their opening four matches, Leo Cullen’s side have ground out victories to climb to third on 35 points. They have won their last five matches against Scottish opposition and have lost just once at the Aviva Stadium since May 2023.

Edinburgh arrive having lost their last fixture at Munster by a single point, extending a run of narrow defeats that has seen them slip to 12th on 18 points. Sean Everitt’s side have not beaten Leinster since March 2019 and their only previous visit to the Aviva Stadium saw them lose 22-19 to Ulster in the 2012 European Cup semi-final.

Team news

Ciarán Mangan and Ruben Moloney will make their first starts for Leinster in the BKT URC, with both young talents given opportunities amid Ireland call-ups. Rieko Ioane starts at outside centre, while Luke McGrath captains from scrum-half. RG Snyman and Brian Deeny form a formidable second row partnership.

Edinburgh welcome back Freddy Douglas, Magnus Bradbury and Duhan van der Merwe from Scotland camp, with Bradbury resuming the captaincy. Loose-head prop Boan Venter moves to within one game of reaching a century of Edinburgh appearances. Ross Thompson and Ben Vellacott combine at half-back, with van der Merwe’s presence adding significant firepower to the back three.

Leinster Rugby: Andrew Osborne, Joshua Kenny, Rieko Ioane, Ciarán Mangan, Ruben Moloney, Charlie Tector, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Jerry Cahir, John Mckee, Andrew Sparrow, RG Snyman, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Diarmuid Mangan
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Niall Smyth, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Josh Ericson, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Hugo McLaughlin

Edinburgh Rugby: Harry Paterson, Malelili Satala, Wes Goosen, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson, Ben Vellacott; Boan Venter, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Paul Hill, Callum Hunter-Hill, Glen Young, Ben Muncaster, Freddy Douglas, Magnus Bradbury (CAPT)
Replacements: Harri Morris, Mikey Jones, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Tom Dodd, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Cammy Scott, Piers O’Conor

What they said

Leinster Rugby Assistant Coach Robin McBryde: “Edinburgh are a pretty cohesive bunch. I think they’ll be hurting after their result last weekend. They’ll be keen to finish this block on a high as well. It’s always good to finish on a victory before any sort of break because the result sits with you. So it’ll be tough enough. We’ve just got to improve on certain aspects of the game from last Saturday and really knuckle down.”

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt: “Going away to Leinster is one of the toughest tests in the BKT URC, but it’s a challenge we’re ready to embrace – we’re going over there to have a real crack at it. Magnus [Bradbury] resumes the captaincy and his experience in these big away fixtures is invaluable for the group. We know exactly what we are capable of when we put it all together. The key for us this week is a complete 80-minute performance to get the result we want.”

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 59th league game)
AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Shane Gaughan (IRFU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ospreys v Dragons RFC

Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

This Welsh derby takes place against the backdrop of continued uncertainty over the future of professional rugby in Wales, with supporters planning further protests at Brewery Field. The Ospreys are fresh from a spirited 24-24 draw against the Lions and sit eighth on 21 points with three wins from ten matches. They have shown character in recent weeks despite off-field turmoil.

The Dragons have won their last four games in Newport but are still searching for an elusive away success in the URC – they have not won on the road since beating Scarlets in April 2022. Filo Tiatia’s side sit 13th on 17 points following an agonising 22-20 defeat to Munster in Cork.

Team news

Wales loose-head Gareth Thomas makes his first appearance since December for Ospreys following a calf injury, earning a starting berth alongside scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams – both released from Test camp to gain game time a week before the Six Nations. Sam Parry and Jack Walsh co-captain the side, while Ross Moriarty forms a heavy back row with James Ratti and Morgan Morse. New signing Cormac Foley could make his debut off the bench after arriving from Leinster on a short-term deal.

Dragons make three enforced changes with Wyn Jones, Seb Davies and Ryan Woodman coming into the XV. Captain Angus O’Brien wears the No.15 jersey, while Tonga centre Fetuli Paea is set for a return off the bench having been out since breaking his arm on his impressive debut against Sharks in October.

Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins, Dan Kasende, Phil Cokanasiga, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Jack Walsh (C.CAPT), Reuben Morgan-Williams, Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry (C.CAPT), Tom Botha, James Fender, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morse
Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Steffan Thomas, Rhys Henry, Marco de Witt, Gwilym Evans, Cormac Foley, Max Nagy, Harri Houston

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CAPT), David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer, Tinus de Beer, Che Hope, Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Robert Hunt, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Jordan Morris, Cebo Dlamini, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Fetuli Paea, Cai Evans

What they said

Dragons RFC Coach Dale MacLeod: “Ospreys will be tough. They are a team with a big forward pack, they generally start well and are tough to beat at home. It’s exciting that all four Welsh teams are starting to put some performances together, through all the emotion going on. They’ll be two good teams playing, I don’t think there will be much in it, and it will be about who holds their head, stays in the game, and owns the little moments. We’re looking forward to it, they will be too, so it’s going to be a massive challenge.”

Referee: Ben Connor (WRU, 7th league game)
AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU)
TMO: Jenny Davies (WRU)
Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Rugby

Affidea Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA / 21.45 SA

Form guide

Ulster welcome Cardiff to Belfast seeking to bounce back from last weekend’s agonising 27-22 defeat at Scarlets, where they conceded a try in overtime. Richie Murphy’s side have otherwise enjoyed an impressive opening block, recording six wins from nine matches to sit sixth on 32 points. They have won all six home games this season and remain unbeaten at the Affidea Stadium.

Cardiff arrive in fourth place on 35 points, having recovered from back-to-back defeats to beat Benetton last weekend. Matt Sherratt’s side have not won in Ireland since beating Connacht 17-15 in Galway in September 2017, but have won their last two meetings against Ulster. They were victorious at the Affidea Stadium on only three occasions – consecutive visits in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Team news

Ulster hand first starts of the season to Marcus Rea, Ben Carson and Ethan McIlroy, while Ben Moxham is named in the matchday squad upon his return from injury. Captain Iain Henderson leads from the second row, with David McCann at No.8 following his impressive recent form.

Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny is named in Cardiff’s matchday squad to face Ulster – remarkably, 17 years after making his debut for the club in Belfast in May 2008. The 36-year-old has been named among the replacements following his return to the club as a player-coach. Johan Mulder makes his first start at scrum-half, while captain Josh McNally leads from the second row.

Ulster Rugby: Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, James Hume, Ben Carson, Zac Ward, Jack Murphy, Conor McKee, Angus Bell, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Charlie Irvine, Matthew Dalton, Marcus Rea, David McCann
Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Bryan O’Connor Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, David Shanahan, Jake Flannery, Ben Moxham

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Ioan Lloyd, Harri Millard, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen, Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally (CAPT), George Nott, Alun Lawrence, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham
Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Joe Cowell, Rory Thornton, Lucas de la Rua, Aled Davies, Elijah Evans, Leigh Halfpenny

What they said

Cardiff Rugby Coach Corniel van Zyl: “There’s a real excitement about going up to Belfast and putting in a good performance. That’s been the big aim for the week. Like every club at this stage of the season, we’re in the same boat. We are missing players to the international game, and it tests our squad. But it is an opportunity and that’s how we’re treating it. What we’ve seen from Ulster is a team that’s very good at keeping the ball in hand and moving the point of contact. We’ll have to be very good defensively to stay in front of them and keep them out. They’re very potent in the 22. They’re probably one of the top teams for points scored per entry, so we’ll have to be smart around that.”

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 26th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv