Get ready for an intense and action-packed weekend of rugby as the BKT United Rugby Championship enters its fourth round! This week, we're bringing you all the details you need to know about the upcoming matches, including some mouth-watering derbies and international-level talent.
The Irish Derby: Leinster vs. Munster
The highlight of round four is undoubtedly the Irish derby between Leinster and Munster. These two rivals will clash at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon, with over 50,000 tickets already sold! The match will be a thrilling spectacle, as Munster aims to maintain their unbeaten streak, while Leinster looks to bounce back after a challenging start to the season.
But here's where it gets controversial... Leinster has an impressive record at Croke Park, having won all five previous matches across various competitions. However, Munster will be determined to break that streak and claim a much-needed victory. With both teams boasting talented squads, this match promises to be an intense battle.
South African Showdown: Connacht vs. Bulls
On Friday night, Connacht hosts the Bulls in Galway. After a disappointing visit to Cardiff, Connacht will be eager to bounce back and secure a win against their South African opponents. The Bulls, meanwhile, started their campaign strongly with two victories but suffered a setback last weekend against Ulster.
And this is the part most people miss... Connacht has only won one of their last seven fixtures against South African teams, but they welcome back some key Ireland internationals, including Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, and Finlay Bealham. Will this boost be enough to secure a victory against the Bulls?
Ulster's Double Header in South Africa
Ulster travels to South Africa for a challenging double-header against the Sharks and Lions. Having sat out the previous round, Ulster arrives with momentum after a superb victory over the Bulls last weekend. However, the Sharks, despite notching a draw against the Dragons, are yet to secure a win in this competition.
In their last ten URC matches at Kings Park, the Sharks have only lost once, to Leinster in March. Ulster, on the other hand, has only managed one win in Durban, back in February 2023. This double-header will be a true test of Ulster's mettle and a chance for the Sharks to prove their worth.
TV, Radio, and Online Coverage
Make sure you tune in to catch all the action! Connacht vs. Bulls and Leinster vs. Munster will be live on TG4 and Premier Sports. Premier Sports will also broadcast Sharks vs. Ulster, and all games will be available on URC.tv. For those who prefer radio commentary, RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport will cover Leinster vs. Munster. And don't forget to check out our live blog and score updates on our website for all the latest news and reactions.
Weather Watch
In Galway, expect a partly cloudy sky with a gentle breeze and temperatures around 13°C. Dublin will experience light rain and a moderate breeze on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures reaching about 14°C. Durban, on the other hand, is forecast to be sunny with intervals and a gentle breeze, with temperatures around 24°C.
Team Lineups and Referees
Connacht: Mack Hansen; Chay Mullins, Byron Ralson, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Darragh Murray, David O'Connor; Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (capt), Sean Jansen.
Bulls: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Sebastian de Klerk; Keagan Johannes, Paul de Wet; Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, Reinhardt Ludwig (capt); Nama Xaba, JJ Theron, Jeandre Rudolph.
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Sharks: Edwill van der Merwe; Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Siya Masuku, Grant Williams; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch; Eben Etzebeth, Marvin Orie; Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka (capt), Phepsi Buthelezi.
Ulster: Michael Lowry; Werner Kok, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Sam Crean, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson; Iain Henderson (capt), Harry Sheridan; David McCann, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose; Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Paddy McCarthy, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; RG Snyman, James Ryan; Alex Soroka, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt).
Munster: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith, Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (capt), Jack O'Donoghue, Brian Gleeson.
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
The Big Match-Up: Ireland's Out-Halves
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Leinster vs. Munster match is the head-to-head between Ireland's out-halves, Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast. This will be their first time facing off, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already intense rivalry.
Full List of Fixtures, Results, and Standings
For a complete overview of all the fixtures, results, and standings, visit our website [insert link here]. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis as the BKT United Rugby Championship continues to deliver thrilling rugby action!
