URC Round Four Preview Teams Lineup and Expert Predictions

The United Rugby Championship (URC) Round Four promises an exciting lineup of matches this Saturday, featuring pivotal clashes involving all teams. With the Stormers, Munster, and Ulster remaining unbeaten, the competition heats up as other teams seek their first victories.

Basement Battle: Lions vs. Scarlets

The Lions will host the Scarlets at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Both teams enter the match seeking to improve their standings. The Lions face the challenge of recovering from three consecutive losses abroad. Conversely, the Scarlets are coming off a heavy defeat of 0-34 to the Stormers.

• Match Details:
  • Date: Saturday
  • Kick-Off: 13:45 (local time)
• Lions Squad: Includes players like Quan Horn, Eduan Keyter, and Francke Horn (captain).
• Scarlets Squad: Features players such as Ioan Nicholas, Johnny Williams (captain), and Sam Costelow.

Lions Assistant Coach Ricardo Loubscher highlighted the team’s positive energy, emphasizing their focus on tackling the Scarlets’ defensive strategies. Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel acknowledged the difficulty of playing at altitude and noted the need for his team to match the Lions’ physicality.

Sharks Seek to End Ulster’s Streak

The Sharks, banking on home advantage, will challenge Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban. The Sharks have made extensive changes, integrating 13 Springboks into their lineup.

• Sharks Squad:
  • Key Players: Edwill van der Merwe, Siya Kolisi, and Eben Etzebeth.
• Ulster Squad:
  • Key Players: Michael Lowry, Stuart McCloskey, and Iain Henderson (captain).

Sharks Head Coach John Plumtree expressed confidence in overcoming operational challenges with the returning players, aiming to replicate last season’s successful adaptation against strong teams like Glasgow Warriors.

Derby Clash: Leinster vs. Munster

The highly anticipated fixture between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park, Dublin, adds a classic rivalry to the day. Munster enters the match undefeated, their confidence bolstered by recent performances.

• Leinster Squad:
  • Notable Players: Jamie Osborne, Garry Ringrose, and Josh van der Flier (captain).
• Munster Squad:
  • Key Players: Shane Daly, Tadhg Beirne (captain), and Jack Crowley.

Both teams intend to build momentum from their recent results, making this a critical matchup in Round Four.

Stormers Aim to Continue Winning Streak Against Zebre

The Stormers look to extend their unbeaten run against Zebre at Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma. The Stormers, coming off a decisive win over the Scarlets, face a Zebre team eager to regain their early-season form.

• Stormers Squad:
  • Key Players: Warrick Gelant, Damian Willemse, and Ruhan Nel (captain).
• Zebre Squad:
  • Notable Players: Giovanni Licata (captain) and Damiano Mazza.

Ospreys vs. Glasgow Warriors

The Ospreys will take on Glasgow Warriors at Dunraven Brewery Field, Bridgend. Ospreys, buoyed by a recent victory over Zebre, aim to break into the top eight of the URC standings.

• Match Details:
  • Kick-Off: 19:45 (local time)
• Ospreys Squad: Key players include Dewi Lake (captain) and Rhys Davies.
• Glasgow Warriors Squad: Featuring players like Kyle Steyn (captain) and Adam Hastings.

Both coaches emphasize the importance of player readiness, setting the stage for an intense matchup in Round Four of the United Rugby Championship.