Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Simian]

Dunno if it came across on TV, but the amount of off the ball stuff from Stormers last night was the worst I’ve seen for years.

[Tichtheid]

Glasgow beat Leinster C and the Stormers B must be the favorites for the title.

Glasgow have won the tournament and played in two other finals as well as topping the league table at the end of the season on another year. They are regular play off contenders, no one who has followed the league writes them off.

I think they may be a bit light at ten to seriously challenge for the title at the moment, but they can tear anyone apart, especially at home.

[Tichtheid]

Dunno if it came across on TV, but the amount of off the ball stuff from Stormers last night was the worst I’ve seen for years.

We saw some of it, the Stormers 6 was fortunate that Roos totally lost the plot and got sent to the bin because him shoulder-charging a Glasgow player at a ruck was worthy of its own card, but the attention at that point was directed towards Roos.

[OomStruisbaai]

Dunno if it came across on TV, but the amount of off the ball stuff from Stormers last night was the worst I’ve seen for years.

We saw some of it, the Stormers 6 was fortunate that Roos totally lost the plot and got sent to the bin because him shoulder-charging a Glasgow player at a ruck was worthy of its own card, but the attention at that point was directed towards Roos.

Was actually good to see both teams got stuck in each other. Good crowd in.

[Sards]

Bulls restoring some South African pride

[OomStruisbaai]

Leinster beating Embra.

[fishfoodie]

Munster V Dragons showing all signs of be an absolute spackerfest.

Mind you, thank dog they replaced the old pitch in Musgrave Park, because after the rain they've had, they'd all be knee deep in mud, & there'd be a good chance of someone drowning at the bottom of a ruck

[fishfoodie]

17 - 0 to Munster after 24 min, Dragons are like a pub team

[fishfoodie]

Connacht top of the Table !!!

22 - 20 FT in Galway, after Connacht was 3 - 20 down early in the 2nd half.

[OomStruisbaai]

Connacht top of the Table !!!

22 - 20 FT in Galway, after Connacht was 3 - 20 down early in the 2nd half.

Ulster missing Kitshoff

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks bottom without any points

[OomStruisbaai]

Lions playing well. 10 all.

[assfly]

Sharks bottom without any points

I didn't expect us to win the first two games. But I thought we'd do better against the Ospreys.

Away wins in this tournament are going to be tough this year.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sharks bottom without any points

I didn't expect us to win the first two games. But I thought we'd do better against the Ospreys.

Away wins in this tournament are going to be tough this year.

Agree, I thought Scarlets are weak but they beat Cardiff.

[Sards]

What the hell happened to the Stormers. I expected a loss from the Sharks.....

First taste on tour for Stormers after all the windgat against weak opposition at home

[OomStruisbaai]

What the hell happened to the Stormers. I expected a loss from the Sharks.....

First taste on tour for Stormers after all the windgat against weak opposition at home

Keep your eyes on the log

[OomStruisbaai]

Novembers Fixtures
R4 – Friday, November 10

Zebre Parma v Cell C Sharks | 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA / 19.30 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Cardiff Rugby v Vodacom Bulls | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Munster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC NI, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 11

Benetton v DHL Stormers | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | ITA, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Scarlets v Emirates Lions | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Connacht | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, November 12

Dragons RFC v Leinster | 13.15 IRE & UK / 14.15 ITA / 15.15 SA | S4C, RTÉ, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R5 – Friday, November 17

Edinburgh v Vodacom Bulls | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Ulster v Emirates Lions | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC NI, TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Zebre Parma v Cardiff Rugby | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | ITA, BBC Wales, Viaplay Xtra, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 18

Cell C Sharks v Connacht | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Dragons RFC v Ospreys | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Munster v DHL Stormers | 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Leinster v Scarlets | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, S4C, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Benetton | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



R6 – Friday, November 24

Cardiff Rugby v DHL Stormers | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | BBC Wales, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Edinburgh v Benetton | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Saturday, November 25

Emirates Lions v Zebre Parma | 12.55 IRE & UK / 13.55 ITA / 14.55 SA | SuperSport, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Vodacom Bulls v Connacht | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Cell C Sharks v Dragons RFC | 17.05 IRE & UK / 18.05 ITA / 19.05 SA | SuperSport, S4C, Viaplay, Premier Sports

Leinster v Munster | 18.30 IRE & UK / 19.30 ITA / 20.30 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

Glasgow Warriors v Ulster | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports



Sunday, November 26

Ospreys v Scarlets | 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA | Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

R7 – Friday, December 1

Munster v Glasgow Warriors | 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA | TG4, Viaplay, SuperSport, Premier Sports

[fishfoodie]

What the hell happened to the Stormers. I expected a loss from the Sharks.....

First taste on tour for Stormers after all the windgat against weak opposition at home

Keep your eyes on the log

There's a lot more steel about the Italian sides this year, & with the new playoff system this year, I think they could be pivotal come the end of the season.

Zebre have play three, & lost three, but they've been well worth the five bonus points they've got, which has them above the Lions, the Sharks & the Dragons !

[OomStruisbaai]

What the hell happened to the Stormers. I expected a loss from the Sharks.....

First taste on tour for Stormers after all the windgat against weak opposition at home

Keep your eyes on the log

There's a lot more steel about the Italian sides this year, & with the new playoff system this year, I think they could be pivotal come the end of the season.

Zebre have play three, & lost three, but they've been well worth the five bonus points they've got, which has them above the Lions, the Sharks & the Dragons !

Now that we retained the WC there are much more pressure on the SA sides and like AF posted away wins is going to be vital. Ulster getting beaten by Connacht., Scarlets beating Cardiff.

The Scottish sides improved out of sight from last year.

All of this make the URC a much improved competition. i love this competition.

[Chilli]

Who are the $harks losing to this weekend?

[OomStruisbaai]

Who are the $harks losing to this weekend?

They cant lose to Zebre. That will be a new low for them.

[assfly]

Zebre will be a difficult game.

This tour has been a disaster. Let's just get it over with and head back to Durban to get some home wins under our belt.

[Sards]

Zebre will be a difficult game.

This tour has been a disaster. Let's just get it over with and head back to Durban to get some home wins under our belt.

Noone is talking up the Sharks......our tour has been a difficult one against the URC champions , URC leauge winners and a very good Ulster side...A bit different from the Scarletts and Lions in South Africa that the Stormers started with. As soon as the Stormers hit the road they lost. Let that sink in when they criticise the Sharks.

[OomStruisbaai]

Zebre will be a difficult game.

This tour has been a disaster. Let's just get it over with and head back to Durban to get some home wins under our belt.

Noone is talking up the Sharks......our tour has been a difficult one against the URC champions , URC leauge winners and a very good Ulster side...A bit different from the Scarletts and Lions in South Africa that the Stormers started with. As soon as the Stormers hit the road they lost. Let that sink in when they criticise the Sharks.

You left out the Shitespreys?

[assfly]

When will the Boks be back for the URC?

I see that Kolisi is already back in France. Pollard and Wiese training with Leicester. The NH aren't giving anybody a rest.

[OomStruisbaai]

When will the Boks be back for the URC?

I see that Kolisi is already back in France. Pollard and Wiese training with Leicester. The NH aren't giving anybody a rest.

Kitshoff is also back at Ulster, RG had an op but Kleyn are back for Munster. Dobson said the Stormers lot can take as long as they want, Jake White the same. So think they will be back after the tours.

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/bok-stars-return-december/

[OomStruisbaai]

The CC teams not included in URC is now in open poaching season for the other countries. The latest is that the Ospreys owners (Bobby Skinstadt & friends) are in the process of investing in the Cheetahs.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... e-28059840

How long will it take before they get their hands on the Puma and Griqua players.

Wales already want to poach young Bulls nr8

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... source=nba

Suppose thats good for our inbred youngsters.

[OomStruisbaai]

Plums

[sturginho]

Zebre
15. Geronimo Prisciantelli (19)
14. Jacopo Trulla (42)
13. Fetuli Paea (2)
12. Enrico Lucchin (58)
11. Simone Gesi (23)
10. Tiff Eden (17)
9. Gonzalo Garcia (5)
8. Giovanni Licata (Cap) (57)
7. Iacopo Bianchi (44)
6. Luca Andreani (30)
5. Leonard Krumov (90)
4. David Sisi (91)
3. Juan Pitinari (17)
2. Luca Bigi (45)
1. Danilo Fischetti (42)

A disposizione:
16. Giampietro Ribaldi (20)
17. Luca Rizzoli (14)
18. Muhamed Hasa (15)
19. Matteo Canali (1)
20. Davide Ruggeri (12)
21. Alessandro Fusco (31)
22. Luca Morisi (0)
23. Taina Fox-Matamua (20)

Luca Morisi is set to make his debut, I'll have to update my avatar accordingly

[OomStruisbaai]

Zebre
15. Geronimo Prisciantelli (19)
14. Jacopo Trulla (42)
13. Fetuli Paea (2)
12. Enrico Lucchin (58)
11. Simone Gesi (23)
10. Tiff Eden (17)
9. Gonzalo Garcia (5)
8. Giovanni Licata (Cap) (57)
7. Iacopo Bianchi (44)
6. Luca Andreani (30)
5. Leonard Krumov (90)
4. David Sisi (91)
3. Juan Pitinari (17)
2. Luca Bigi (45)
1. Danilo Fischetti (42)

A disposizione:
16. Giampietro Ribaldi (20)
17. Luca Rizzoli (14)
18. Muhamed Hasa (15)
19. Matteo Canali (1)
20. Davide Ruggeri (12)
21. Alessandro Fusco (31)
22. Luca Morisi (0)
23. Taina Fox-Matamua (20)

Luca Morisi is set to make his debut, I'll have to update my avatar accordingly

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter (c), 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 George Cronje, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

[Sandstorm]

Rain for Sharks on Friday, sunshine for Stormers on Saturday.

Italian sides by 6

[assfly]

Cameron Fucking Wright

It's not a bad team considering our injury list, which is quite depressing seeing we are only in week 4:

However, with 12 players on the injury list – including World Cup winners Bongi Mbonambi (knee) and Vincent Koch (knee) – the Durban-based team’s depth will be severely tested.

Other players who are also unavailable for the Sharks due to injury are Curwin Bosch (concussion), Eduan Keyter (knee), Francois Hougaard (knee), Kerron van Vuuren (knee), Le Roux Roets (knee), Muller du Plessis (knee), Nevaldo Fleurs (knee), Reniel Hugo (shoulder) and Vincent Tshituka (chest wall).

It's mental how many knee injuries there are.

[OomStruisbaai]

Zebre v Sharks
(Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – Kick-off: 18.30; 19.30 SAST; 17.30 GMT)

Teams

Zebre: 15 Geronimo Prisciantelli, 14 Jacopo Trulla, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Enrico Lucchin, 11 Simone Gesi, 10 Tiff Eden, 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 8 Giovanni Licata (captain), 7 Lacopo Bianchi, 6 Luca Andreani, 5 Leonard Krumov, 4 David Sisi, 3 Juan Pitinari, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Giampietro Ribaldi, 17 Luca Rizzoli, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Davide Ruggeri, 21 Alessandro Fusco, 22 Luca Morisi, 23 Taina Fox-Matamua.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter (captain), 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 George Cronje, 7 Phendulani Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Khwezi Mona, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

Referee: Peter Martin (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Riccardo Angelucci (Italy) and Filippo Bertili (Italy)
TMO: Mark Patton (Ireland)

Cardiff v Bulls
(Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – Kick-off 19.35; 21.35 SAST; 19.35 GMT)

Teams

Cardiff: 15 Jacob Beetham, 14 Harri Millard, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Mason Grady, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Lopeti Timani, 7 Ellis Jenkins (captain), 6 Alex Mann, 5 Rory Thornton, 4 Teddy Williams, 3 Rhys Litterick, 2 Efan Daniel, 1 Corey Domachowski.
Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Rhys Carré, 18 Will Davies-King, 19 Seb Davies, 20 Thomas Young, 21 Ellis Bevan, 22 Arwell Robson, 23 Cameron Winnett.

Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 David Kriel, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Nizaam Carr (captain), 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Reinhardt Ludwig, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Johan Goosen, 24 Cameron Hanekom.

Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Tom Spurrier (Wales) and Steff Edwards (Wales)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)

Ulster v Munster
(Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast – Kick-off 19.35; 19.35 GMT)

Teams

Ulster: 15 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 Stewart Moore, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 David McCann, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 4 Cormac Izuchukwu, 3 Greg McGrath, 2 Tom Stewart (captain), 1 Eric O’Sullivan.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Reid, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 John Cooney, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Jude Postlethwaite.

Munster: 15 Shane Daly, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Seán O’Brien, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Alex Kendellen, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Edwin Edogbo, 3 John Ryan, 2 Diarmuid Barron (captain), 1 Jeremy Loughman.
Replacements: 16 Scott Buckley, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Tom Ahern, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 Rory Scannell, 23 Ben O’Connor

Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland) and Paul Haycock (Ireland)
TMO: Brian McNeice (Ireland)

[OomStruisbaai]

Look like Jean Kleyn have to leave Munster. He will be a massive boost for the Stormers. Nothing about PSdT yet.

[OomStruisbaai]

The Stormers have Ruhan Nel back this weekend and expect a shuffle in the pack. Last week as was worried about the Prince but he was the only player that performed. They will need to sort out Roos and Dweba and their dissipline and obvious cut out that kak grubbers from Blommetjies and Gelant. Just play simple passing rugby and secure their own possession.

[Sandstorm]

Cameron Fucking Wright

It's not a bad team considering our injury list, which is quite depressing seeing we are only in week 4:

However, with 12 players on the injury list – including World Cup winners Bongi Mbonambi (knee) and Vincent Koch (knee) – the Durban-based team’s depth will be severely tested.

Other players who are also unavailable for the Sharks due to injury are Curwin Bosch (concussion), Eduan Keyter (knee), Francois Hougaard (knee), Kerron van Vuuren (knee), Le Roux Roets (knee), Muller du Plessis (knee), Nevaldo Fleurs (knee), Reniel Hugo (shoulder) and Vincent Tshituka (chest wall).

It's mental how many knee injuries there are.

Your lot kick too much.

[OomStruisbaai]

DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Ben Loader, 12 Ruhan Nel, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche (captain), 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Gary Porter, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Keke Morabe, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

[assfly]

Your lot kick too much.

It's mostly forward, which worries me

Anyway, good to get the disappointment out of the way on a Friday night so I can relax and enjoy the rest of my weekend.

[Zig]

It's a good time to play the South Africans while they're still celebrating.

[OomStruisbaai]

Ja we have WC babelaas. Hope for a good SA weekend.