NEW YORK, NY – This weekend promises to be another thrilling round of action in the United Rugby Championship (URC). For those of you living in a cave or just awakening from a coma, the URC is the cool mix of teams from South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy. It makes for an exciting and challenging comp, with top-tier talent on display and intense rivalries heating up. With that, here are the key match-ups to watch:
- Glasgow Warriors vs. Benetton (Friday, 20:35 SA/ITA Time) The reigning champions, Glasgow Warriors, look to bounce back from their narrow opening-round loss to Ulster. They face Benetton, who had a draw with Scarlets in their first game. Glasgow will rely on their home advantage at Scotstoun Stadium, with coach Franco Smith expecting his team to recover and dominate the Italian side. Prediction: Glasgow by 10 points?(Rugby365)? (freetips.com).
- Leinster vs. Dragons (Friday, 20:35 SA Time) Leinster scraped through a tough win against Edinburgh last weekend and will be looking to assert themselves at home against the Dragons, who upset Ospreys in their opener. With a strong squad and the energy of playing in Dublin, Leinster are tipped to win comfortably. Prediction: Leinster by 22 points ?(Rugby365)? (freetips.com).
- Connacht vs. Sharks (Saturday, 20:35 SA Time) After a nail-biting Currie Cup final victory, the Sharks travel to Galway to face Connacht. The Sharks bring momentum but may be fatigued after their domestic title run. Connacht, who narrowly lost to Munster last week, will be tough opposition at home, where weather and conditions often favor them. Expect a close battle, with the Sharks possibly edging it by less than a try. Prediction: Sharks by 5 points ?(Goodforthegame) ?(SuperSport).
- Ospreys vs. Stormers (Saturday, 20:35 SA Time) The Stormers begin their campaign with a challenging trip to Swansea. Ospreys, who ruined the Stormers’ 2023-24 season, will again look to disrupt the Cape Town-based side’s plans. Stormers coach John Dobson knows how important it is to start the season strong, but playing away in Wales is no easy task. Prediction: Stormers to win a tight contest? (Rugby365)? (SuperSport).
- Bulls vs. Edinburgh (Saturday, 15:00 SA Time) The Bulls will look to take advantage of the high altitude in Pretoria against Edinburgh. While the Bulls have some uncertainties after last season’s heartbreak, they are expected to handle the Scottish side well at home. Prediction: Bulls by 12 points? (SuperSport)? (Rugby365).
For tonight’s Glasgow Warriors vs. Benetton clash, the key players to watch are:
Glasgow Warriors
- Adam Hastings (Fly-half): Making his first start at Scotstoun since June 2021, Hastings is expected to control the game with his kicking and playmaking abilities. His return adds experience to Glasgow’s backline.
- Kyle Steyn (Captain, Wing): The Scotland international winger leads the team from the flank and is known for his speed and leadership. Expect him to spearhead Glasgow’s attack.
- Rory Darge (Openside Flanker): One of the standout performers for Glasgow, Darge’s work at the breakdown and in defense will be key to winning possession for his side.
- Gregor Hiddleston (Hooker): Coming off a stellar defensive performance last week with 27 tackles in just 24 minutes, Hiddleston will be a crucial figure in the set-piece and around the park.
Benetton
- Sebastian Negri (No. 8): A powerful ball-carrier, Negri will be pivotal in gaining front-foot momentum for Benetton in their forward battle against Glasgow.
- Malakai Fekitoa (Centre): The former All Black brings flair and experience to Benetton’s midfield. His attacking instincts and strong defense will make him a key player to watch.
- Jacob Umaga (Fly-half): Umaga’s game management and kicking skills will be essential in controlling territory and keeping Benetton competitive against Glasgow.
Both teams are making several changes from their opening matches, and this encounter promises to be a physical contest with plenty of attacking talent on display. Keep an eye on these players as they could have a major impact on the game’s outcome.
HERE’S WHAT OUR “EXPERTS” SAID:
This weekend’s fixtures promise high-quality rugby, as teams look to build early momentum in the URC campaign.
