The URC gets back underway this weekend, with the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Lions on tour up north while the Stormers host champions Leinster and the Bulls entertain Ospreys.
Friday 26 September
Stormers | Draw | Leinster
The new-look Stormers tackle Leinster on Friday hoping to make good on the promise they showed towards the backend of last season. John Dobson’s side, who will be sporting their new franchise badge and home kit, faced a challenging campaign last time out injury-wise but enjoyed a big upturn en route to an eventual quarterfinal defeat in Glasgow. They will look to channel the spirit of those performances into what could be a perfect way to start their campaign with victory over Leinster.
The Irish giants, who were beaten 31-10 by Cardiff in a pre-season hit-out two weeks ago, are unlikely to be fielding many of their British & Irish Lions stars but will still pose a big threat on the west coast. A settled unit though they are, with defence coach Jacques Nienaber having recently inked a new deal to remain at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season, they’ll find it tough in the Mother City first up.
Verdict: Stormers on the board
Ulster | Draw | Dragons
The only way is up for Richie Murphy’s Ulster, who suffered through a pretty abject campaign last time out to ultimately finish in 14th and miss out on a spot in the Champions Cup for the very first time. They couldn’t have asked for a better way to ease into the new season here though, with whipping boys Dragons picking up just a solitary win in their 18 games in 2024/25. The Belfastians, who may give Juarno Augustus his first competitive start in white, should collect a BP win here.
Verdict: Ulster on the minus
Glasgow Warriors | Draw | Hollywoodbets Sharks
While they may be shorn of a few of their first choice backs, Glasgow are expected to come out the blocks firing when they host the Sharks at the Scotstoun. Franco Smith’s men failed to defend their title last term but will be aiming to go again, starting with the challenge of the side that pipped them to third place last season.
The visitors, with so many injuries to key personnel and both first choice flyhalves out, will need to produce a supreme performance to if they hope to upset the odds. With Jason Jenkins also unavailable, new World Cup-winning recruit Marvin Orie will be vital at the set piece, but John Plumtree’s men will certainly be swimming against the tide.
Verdict: Glasgow on the board
Saturday 27 September
Bulls | Draw | Ospreys
The Bulls begin life under Johan Ackermann with what should be a pretty routine victory over Ospreys at Loftus as the side starts their quest for a fourth URC final and first championship title. Bolstered by the presence of a returning Jan Serfontein, and the familiar faces of Marcell Coetzee et al., they should have no problem overturning the Swanseans.
Ospreys will require a huge shift to keep pace with the hosts on the highveld and though they did beat the Lions in Johannesburg last season, a fit and refocused Bulls team will be another story.
Verdict: Bulls on the minus
Zebre | Draw | Edinburgh
Zebre showed immense improvement last season but face a difficult task right out the gate in the form of a determined Edinburgh unit. The Parma club did fantastically well to finish in 15th last term and made a habit of achieving several impressive home results at the Stadio Segio Lanfranchi playing some sparking attacking footy.
Unfortunately for them, a quality Edinburgh outfit that fell in last season’s quarterfinals will be taking nothing for granted and will be out to avenge the 22-17 February defeat they suffered in Scotland, as well as improve on the 25-all draw they got here in April.
Verdict: Edinburgh on the board
Scarlets | Draw | Munster
Scarlets welcome Munster to Llanelli and will hope the singing of one-cap Wales international hooker Kirby Myhill from the Miami Sharks can offset the absence of Marnus van der Merwe (in-camp with the Springboks) and an injured Ryan Elias. Although they were a lot better last season, they may be vulnerable against a reloaded Munster team.
The visitors, who’ve opted for an “old school” approach in their pre-season training sessions under new coach Clayton McMillan, have a formidable pack of their own and will look to target Myhill and his teammates at set piece in a bid to get their new era off to a winning start.
Verdict: Munster on the board
Connacht | Draw | Benetton
A much improved showing on defence this season will be the order of the day for Connacht this season, with the exciting arrival of Stuart Lancaster surely set to aid them in this regard. The appointment of the experienced former England, Leinster and Racing 92 boss is likely to coincide with a major upturn in fortunes for the Irish club – watch this space.
Benetton present a tricky opening challenge, but the Galway conditions and quality of Lancaster should propel the hosts to a fast start to the new campaign.
Verdict: Connacht on the minus
Cardiff | Draw | Lions
The Lions require a massive mental effort to overcome the torment of having suffered a late Currie Cup final defeat for the second year in succession. With practically Ivan van Rooyen’s entire URC squad involved during the domestic competition, leaders like Francke Horn and Ruan Venter need to step up and ensure the team puts the Griquas heartache behind them to fully focus on the challenge of Cardiff. However, the loss of a concussed Chris Smith means Lubabalo Dobela and Sam Francis will have more responsibility on their shoulders.
While not too much can be read into pre-season games, Cardiff’s recent 21-point win over Leinster would have given them real belief and they should be able to use that to generate a win first up.
Verdict: Cardiff on the board
