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URC Round 14 Teams

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The teams for this weekend’s Round 14 fixtures of the United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#LIOvOSP

  • Megiel Burger Odendaal will captain the Emirates Lions as Sibahle Maxwane comes into start on the wing
  • Morgan Morris will make his 50th appearance for the Ospreys

#MUNvBEN

  • Munster have made eight changes from last week’s defeat. The side will play at Musgrave Park in Cork for the first time since February 2020
  • Dewaldt Duvenage to start at scrum half and will captain Benetton

#ZEBvSCA

  • Alessandro Fusco, captain David Sisi and hooker Luca Bigi all return from Italy Six Nations duty named in Zebre Parma starting XV
  • Scarlets Gareth Davies and Johnny McNicholl return from Six Nations duty. 18-year-old Academy hooker Lewis Morgan is set for debut

#STOvULS

  • DHL Stormers make four changes to the starting XV. Springbok prop Frans Malherbe returns from injury and will play his first URC game
  • Alan O’Connor will make his 150th appearance for Ulster and will skipper the side

#SHAvEDI

  • Anthony Volmink will start at full-back for Cell C Sharks replacing Aphelele Fassi who picked up an injury last weekend
  • Seven Scotland internationalists return for Edinburgh

#CARvGLA

  • Cardiff Rugby welcome back five Welsh Internationals to the match day squad
  • Jamie Bhatti returns from injury to start at loose-head for Glasgow Warriors. With six Scotland internationals return to starting XV

#BULvDRA

  • Lionel Mapoe, Embrose Papier and Arno Botha make a return to Vodacom Bulls starting XV
  • Elliot Dee and Ben Carter return to Dragons starting XV. Will Reed set to make his Dragons debut if called upon the replacements

#CONvLEI

  • Connacht have made seven changes to the match-day squad
  • Chris Cosgrave named in Leinster’s match day squad & could make his debut if called upon from the replacements

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Emirates Lions v Ospreys Rugby

Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 17.00 IRE & UK / 18.00 ITA / 19.00 SA

Referee: Ben Blain (SRU, 16th league game)

AR 1: Morné Ferreira (SARU)  AR 2: Stephen Geldenhuys (SARU)

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)

Live on: SuperSport, BBC Wales, Premier Sports & URC TV

Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Sibahle Maxwane, Wandisile Simelane, Megiel Burger Odendaal (CAPT), Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Brian Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg, Sithembiso Sithole, Gerrit Jacobus Visagie, Carlu Johan Sadie, Ruben Schoeman, Reinhard Nothnagel, Francke Horn, Vincent Tshituka, Emmanuel Tshituka

Replacements: Pieter Jacobus Botha, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Martin Dreyer, Ruan Bernard Venter, Sibusiso Sangweni, Andre Riaan Warner, Manuel Rass, Tiaan Henk Swanepoel

Ospreys: Dan Evans, Keelan Giles, Michael Collins, Keiran Williams, Luke Morgan, Stephen Myler, Rhys Webb (CAPT), Nicky Smith, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Bradley Davies, Dan Lydiate, Morgan Morris, Ethan Roots

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Rhodri Jones, Rhys Henry, Will Griffiths, Harri Deaves, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Tiaan Thomas Wheeler, Cai Evans

Emirates Lions Scrum Coach Julian Redelinghuys said: “A two-game winning streak doesn’t really mean our season is back on track,” cautioned the Lions’ scrum guru.

“What we are trying to do at the moment is to stay positive and maintain our processes. Key for us is continuing the hard work and pay special attention to our preparations, ensuring we put ourselves in positions to put up good performances come game day.”

“We need to look at the things we are doing well in and keep getting better at them. Coming from behind to beat Munster instilled a sense of belief within the camp and the whole vibe within the camp has been fantastic.”

Ospreys Head Coach Toby Booth said: “Not one northern hemisphere side has won in South Africa in the URC, so that gives you the magnitude of the competition on this side of the world. They will have a lot of returning South African players into their teams and they are no doubt getting ready to peak for their Test series against Wales in the summer. We know this is a really tough challenge for us but it is one we are looking forward to. It’s not very often you can get a first and if we could become the first team to win here in the URC that would be great. The Lions start all of their games very well and score lots of their tries in the first 20 minutes of games and try to get on top of you that way. We need to make sure we are ready for that onslaught.”

Munster v Benetton

Musgrave Park, Cork – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 30th league game)

AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Stuart Gaffikin (IRFU)

TMO: Eric Gauzin (FFR)

Live on: TG4, Mediaset, Premier Sport, SuperSport & URC TV

Munster: Matt Gallagher; Shane Daly, Damian de Allende, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Ben Healy, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue (CAPT), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes

Replacements: Scott Buckley, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, Jason Jenkins, Jack O’Sullivan, Neil Cronin, Jake Flannery, Chris Farrell

Benetton: Andries Coetzee, Ratuva Tavuyara, Joaquin Riera, Tommaso Menoncello, Rhyno Smith, Tomas Albornoz, Dewaldt Duvenage (CAPT), Ivan Nemer, Tomas Baravalle, Nahuel Tetaz, Irnè Herbst, Carl Wegner, Sebastian Negri, Manuel Zuliani, Toa Halafihi.

Replacements: . Matteo Drudi, Matteo Drudi, Simone Ferrari, Niccolò Cannone, Matteo Meggiato, Callum Braley, Giacomo Da Re, Tommaso Benvenuti

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

Zebre Parma v Scarlets

Stadio Lanfranch, Parma – KO 13.00  IRE & UK / 14.00  ITA / 15.00 SA

Referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU, 7th league game)

AR 1: Clara Munarini (FIR) AR 2: Riccardo Angelucci (FIR)

TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

Live on: Mediaset, BBC Wales, Premier Sports, SuperSport & URC TV

Zebre Parma: Michelangelo Biondelli, Giovanni D’Onofrio, Giulio Bisegni, Enrico Lucchin, Simone Gesi, Carlo Canna, Alessandro Fusco, Paolo Buonfiglio, Luca Bigi, Eduardo Bello, David Sisi (CAPT), Liam Mitchell, Luca Andreani, Iacopo Bianchi, Renato Giammarioli

Replacements: Massimo Ceciliani, Juan Pitinari, Ion Neculai, Andrea Zambonin, Potu Junior Leavasa, Guglielmo Palazzani, Antonio Rizzi, Junior Laloifi

Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl, Corey Baldwin, Joe Roberts, Scott Williams (CAPT), Ryan Conbeer, Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies,  Kemsley Mathias, Shaun Evans, Javan Sebastian, Sam Lousi, Jac Price, Blade Thomson, Tomas Lezana, Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements: Lewis Morgan, Rob Evans, Harri O’Connor, Morgan Jones, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Dane Blacker, Sam Costelow, Johnny Williams

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “We have a big block of games coming up, going to Italy this weekend, then five Welsh derbies back to back. It is about getting the mentality right after a trip away. We have come in, worked hard and made sure we got our focus straight back on competition. We realise the importance of going away there. The big thing is that our mentality is right, we learn from last week and we start the game with intent.”

DHL Stormers v Ulster 

DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 13th league game)

AR 1: Cwengile Jadezweni (SARU)  AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU)

Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports & URC TV

DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Ruhan Nel, Damian Willemse, Leolin Zas, Manie Libbok, Paul de Wet, Steven Kitshoff (CAPT), Chad Solomon, Frans Malherbe, Adre Smith, Marvin Orie, Deon Fourie, Ernst van Rhyn, Evan Roos

Replacements: JJ Kotze, Brok Harris, Neethling Fouche, Connor Evans, Hacjivah Dayimani, Junior Pokomela, Herschel Jantjies, Rikus Pretorius

Ulster: Mike Lowry, Craig Gilroy, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Lyttle, Billy Burns, John Cooney, Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor (CAPT), Kieran Treadwell, Greg Jones, Marcus Rea, Duane Vermeulen

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Gareth Milasinovich, Mick Kearney, Jordi Murphy, David Shanahan, Luke Marshall, Ethan McIlroy

DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said: “The change in regulations has been a big boost for us this week and we are all excited to see more of our Faithful supporters in the stands this weekend, which really makes a big difference to the players. It is fantastic to have a player of Frans’ proven quality back in the mix and everyone is really motivated to deliver our best possible performance against a quality outfit like Ulster.”

Cell C Sharks v Edinburgh Rugby

Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA / 17.05 SA

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 21st league game)

AR 1: Griffon Colby (SARU) AR 2: Stephan Geldenhuys (SARU)

TMO: Egon Seconds (SARU)

Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports & URC TV

Cell C Sharks: Anthony Volmink, Werner Kok, Ben Tapuai, Marius Louw, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit,  Gerbrandt Grobler, Reniel Hugo, Siya Kolisi (CAPT), Henco Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe

Replacements: Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Khutha Mchunu, Le Roux Roets, Phepsi Buthelezi, James Venter, Jaden Hendrikse, Boeta Chamberlain

Edinburgh Rugby: Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Mark Bennett (CAPT), James Lang, Freddie Owsley, Blair Kinghorn, Ben Vellacott, Boan Venter, Dave Cherry, Lee-Roy Atalifo, Pierce Phillips, Jamie Hodgson, Magnus Bradbury, Hamish Watson, Ben Muncaster

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Harrison Courtney, Luan de Bruin, Glen Young, Connor Boyle, Charlie Shiel, Jaco van der Walt, Chris Dean

Edinburgh Head Coach Mike Blair said: “We’ve really relished our time in South Africa so far and the squad are all buying into what we’re trying to achieve. It’s hot, conditions are tricky and we’re out of our comfort zones but that’s what makes this challenge so exciting. It’s really galvanised the playing group. We’re here to do something special. No travelling team has won in South Africa in the URC so far this season and we want to do everything we can to change that. But, in saying that, we’re under no illusion about the task ahead as Sharks are a quality side, with a number of Springboks in their ranks. After a long flight and recovery to start the week, we’ve trained excellently and an intensity has been building ahead of tomorrow night’s clash. We’re really proud to represent the city and club on South African soil and the guys are excited for what is going to be a massive test.”

Cardiff Rugby v Glasgow Warriors

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 17.15  IRE & UK / 18.15  ITA / 19.15 SA

Referee: AJ Jacobs (SARU, 9th league game)

AR 1: Ben Whitehouse (WRU) AR 2: Simon Rees (WRU)

TMO: David Rose (RFU)

Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport & URC TV

Cardiff Rugby: Hallam Amos; Jason Harries, Willis Halaholo, Ben Thomas, Theo Cabango; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Rhys Carré, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Josh Turnbull (CAPT), Matthew Screech, James Botham, Josh Navidi, James Ratti

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Teddy Williams, Ellis Jenkins, Jamie Hill, Garyn Smith, Matthew Morgan

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Sebastian Cancelliere, Kyle Steyn, Sam Johnson, Cole Forbes, Ross Thompson, Ali Price, Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Richie Gray, Ryan Wilson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey

Replacements: Johnny Matthews, Oli Kebble, Murphy Walker, Kiran McDonald, Ally Miller, Jamie Dobie, Duncan Weir, Stafford McDowall

Cardiff Rugby Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “It’s great to have Carré, Dillon, Ratti, Navidi and Willis back for what is a really important game for us back at Cardiff Arms Park. You always want your best players available and it gives us some more strength in depth as the season intensifies. They will all get a week off later in the season, while we still have Seb Davies, Tomos Williams and Josh Adams to come back. This weekend we face a really good team in Glasgow, and Danny (Wilson) is coming back here as well. He’s well known to the staff and players here so I’m sure he’ll want to come back here and get the ‘W’. But we’re just thrilled to be back at the Arms Park. Obviously our away performances haven’t been where we’ve wanted them to be, and certainly not to the same levels as our home performances. We’ve certainly had our best performances at home and our last performance here was one of our best. We want to get back to that quickly. We really need the support. They’ve been fantastic over the last couple of games and have really got behind the team in big numbers. It’s important that we have that 16th man again. We have a job on the field to make sure we give them something to get on the edge of their seats because they’re very important to us.”

Vodacom Bulls v Dragons

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA / 19.15 SA

Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU, 58th league game)

AR 1:  Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU) AR 2: Morne Ferreira (SARU)

TMO: Ben Blain (SRU)

Live on: SuperSport, S4C Premier Sports & URC TV

Vodacom Bulls: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Madosh Tambwe, Chris Smith, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Jacques van Rooyen, Walt Steenkamp, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee, Cyle Brink, Arno Botha

Replacements: Joe van Zyl, Simphiwe Matanzima, Mornay Smith, Reinhardt Ludwig, WJ Steenkamp; Zak Burger, Morne Steyn, Cornal Hendricks

Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Adam Warren, Jack Dixon, Rio Dyer, Sam Davies, Gonzalo Bertranou; Aki Seiuli, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Huw Taylor, Ben Carter, Harri Keddie (CAPT), Ben Fry, Ollie Griffiths

Replacements: Taylor Davies, Josh Reynolds, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Lennon Greggains, Rhodri Williams, Will Reed, Ioan Davies

Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said: “This week we are up against a Dragons side that has welcomed back at least three of their internationals from Welsh duty, so that is a reflection of the strong team we will be facing. This is a side that is well-coached and has shown how dangerous they can be. They will be motivated to do well and begin their tour of South Africa on a positive note. We will need to be at our very best if we intend to stop this side that can pose a real challenge.”

Connacht v Leinster

The Sportsground, Galway – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA / 21.35 SA

Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 20th league game)

AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Peter Martin (IRFU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Live on: RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport & URC TV

Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran, John Porch, Tom Farrell, Tom Daly, Oran McNulty Jack Carty (CAPT), Kieran Marmion, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Oisin Dowling, Niall Murray, Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver, Jarrad Butler

Replacements: Jonny Murphy, Matthew Burke, Greg McGrath, Ultan Dillane, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, Sammy Arnold, Diarmuid Kilgallen

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Ciarán Frawley, Rory O’Loughlin, Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Michael Ala’alatoa, Ross Molony, Joe McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Scott Penny, Max Deegan

Replacements: Seán Cronin, Ed Byrne, Thomas Clarkson, Josh Murphy, Martin Moloney, Nick McCarthy, David Hawkshaw, Chris Cosgrave

Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said: “It’s been three weeks since our last game so we’ve had a long time to dwell on the Edinburgh performance and understand what happened, and we’ve had two good weeks of training under our belt since then. There’s been no talk about the Champions Cup games because tomorrow is a massive fixture in its own right. Our backs are against the wall if we’re to reach the playoffs and with a massive crowd behind us I’m sure all 23 men will put in a performance I know they’re capable of.”

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.