Everything you need to know about Saturday & Sunday's United Rugby Championship action

The teams for Saturday's and Sunday's Round 3 fixtures of the United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#LEIvZEB

• Leinster name six Irish internationals in their pack.

• First call-up for young flanker Luca Andreani and new signing Erich Cronjé.

#GLAvLIO

• Jamie Bhatti to make 50^th appearance for Glasgow Warriors. Matt Fagerson returns to matchday 23 following surgery on arm injury sustained v Leinster in R5 of Rainbow Cup

• Stean Pienaar, Divan Rossouw and Manuel Rass will pick up their first Emirates Lions start of the tour.

#CONvDRA

• Connacht make three changes with Matthew Burke, Paul Boyle and Ben O'Donnell brought into the starting XV.
• Harri Keddie, Jordan Williams & Joe Davies all come into Dragons match day squad. 

EDIvSTO

• Scotland internationals Magnus Bradbury and Damien Hoyland return from injury to be named among Edinburgh replacements

• Juan de Jongh will play his 100th game for DHL Stormers

CARvBUL

• British & Irish Lions, Josh Navidi will make first appearance of the season for Cardiff Rugby.
• Number of changes to Vodacom Bulls match-day squad from last weeks narrow defeat.

SCAvMUN

• British & Irish Lions Ken Owens, Gareth Davies and Wyn Jones are selected in Scarlets match-day squad

• Munster make 11 changes to the side that secured a bonus-point win against DHL Stormers.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

 

Leinster Rugby v Zebre Parma

RDS, Dublin – KO 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 17th league game)

AR 1: Peter Martin (IRFU), AR 2: Oisin Quinn (IRFU),

TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Live on: RTÉ 2,  Mediaset, Premier Sports 2 & URC TV.

Leinster have a formidable record against Italian opposition and their only defeat in such fixtures came at home to Benetton in April 2018.

Leo Cullen's side have won their last three home matches since they were beaten 27-3 by Munster in Dublin during the Rainbow Cup and they prevailed 48-31 when these sides met in Parma in March.

Zebre, meanwhile, are without a win since February and their last championship victory outside Italy came last November - both of those results coming against the Dragons.

  

Leinster have won all 15 of the previous encounters between the teams.

Leinster Rugby: Jimmy O’Brien, Adam Byrne, Jamie Osborne, Ciarán Frawley, Jordan Larmour, Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Ed Byrne, Seán Cronin, Michael Ala’alatoa, Ryan Baird, Devin Toner, Dan Leavy, Scott Penny, Rhys Ruddock
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Peter Dooley, Cian Healy, Ross Molony, Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy, Johnny Sexton, Rob Russell

Zebre Parma: Jacopo Trulla, Pierre Bruno, Erich Cronje’, Enrico Lucchin, Mattia Bellini, Antonio Rizzi, Nicolo’ Casilio, Andrea Lovotti, Oliviero Fabiani (CAPT), Ion Neculai, Cristian Stoian, Andrea Zambonin, Iacopo Bianchi, Luca Andreani, Renato Giammarioli.
Replacements: Massimo Ceciliani, Danilo Fischetti, Matteo Nocera, David Sisi, Giovanni Licata, Guglielmo Palazzani, Tommaso Boni, Paolo Pescetto

Glasgow Warriors v Lions

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 10th league game)

AR 1: David Sutherland (SRU), AR 2: Dunx McClement (SRU),

TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)

Live on: Premier Sports 1, SuperSport & URC TV

Glasgow have suffered only one defeat in their last six matches across the Rainbow Cup and United Rugby Championship - a 35-29 reverse to Ulster in Round 1.

The Warriors have won their last five matches at Scotstoun and their only two previous defeats in nine matches against South African opponents have come away from home.

The Lions have never faced Scottish opposition in a competitive fixture before and will be looking for a return to winning ways after following up their victory against Zebre in Round 1 with a defeat to the Scarlets last time out.

Glasgow Warriors: Cole Forbes, Kyle Steyn, Nick Grigg, Sam Johnson, Rufus McLean, Ross Thompson, Jamie Dobie; Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Murray McCallum, Lewis Bean, Richie Gray, Ryan Wilson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Johnny Matthews, Brad Thyer, Murphy Walker, Rob Harley, Matt Fagerson, George Horne, Duncan Weir, Sione Tuipulotu.

Emirates Lions: Divan Rossouw, Stean Pienaar, Manuel Rass, Burger Odendaal (CAPT), Rabz Maxwane, Rabz Maxwane, EW Viljoen, Andre Warner, Sti Sithole, Jaco Visagie, Jannie du Plessis, Ruben Schoeman, Pieter Janse van Vuren, Jaco Kriel, Vincent Tshituka, Ruhan Straeuli

Replacements: PJ Botha, Morgan Naude, Carlu Sadie, Reinhard Nothnagel, Sibusiso Sangweni, Morne van den Berg, Matt More, Wandisile Simelane

Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen said: "Injuries are a reality of the game. Losing both Jordan and Eddie is obviously a massive blow for us, meaning we had to make a few adjustments as we prepare for Saturday. With the COVID-19 regulations it's been quite a challenge, however we are doing our best to cope with the situation. Hopefully now with the relaxation of the travel ban to the UK, in consultation with URC, we can get a replacement to join the squad as soon as possible. It also provides a few guys in the squad with an opportunity to showcase their talent against quality opposition in the VURC,"

Connacht Rugby v Dragons

The Sportsground, Galway – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 4th league game)

AR 1: Stuart Gaffikin (IRFU), AR 2: Nigel Correll (IRFU),

TMO: AJ Jacobs (SARU)

Live on: TG4, S4C, Premier Sports 2 & URC TV.

Connacht are bidding to win three home championship games in a row for the first time since October 2019.

The Dragons, meanwhile, are hoping to snap a run of six straight defeats since beating the Scarlets 52-32 in the Rainbow Cup in April.

Connacht have won their last three matches against the Dragons while the Newport outfit's only previous victory at The Sportsground came all the way back in May 2004 - their inaugural visit to the venue.

Connacht were 30-20 victors when they visited Rodney Parade in February while the Dragons were beaten 33-12 on their last trip to Galway.

Connacht Rugby: Ben O’Donnell, Tom Farrell, Tom Daly, Mack Hansen, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Oisin Dowling, Ultan Dillane, Cian Prendergast, Jarrad Butler (CAPT), Paul Boyle

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Leva Fifita, Conor Oliver, Caolin Blade, Conor Fitzgerald, Sammy Arnold.

Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Jack Dixon, Aneurin Owen, Jordan Olowofela, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams, Greg Bateman, Elliot Dee, Mesake Doge, Will Rowlands, Joe Maksymiw, Harrison Keddie (CAPT), Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements:  Taylor Davies, Aki Seiuli, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ollie Griffiths, Gonzalo Bertranou, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren.

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Andy Friend said: “Last week was very pleasing not just because of the result, but the performance gave everyone the confidence that we’re heading in the right direction. We know more than anyone that we now need to replicate that level consistently. Dragons are a tough team to play against and showed that against Leinster last week, so we’ll need to be at the top of our game.”

Edinburgh Rugby v DHL Stormers

The DAM Health Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 17th league game)

AR 1: Ian Kenny (SRU), AR 2: Graeme Ormiston (SRU),

TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)

Live on: Premier Sports 1, SuperSport & URC TV.

Edinburgh have won only one of their last six matches across the United Rugby Championship and Rainbow Cup - a 26-22 triumph over the Scarlets in Round 1.

They were downed by a last-gasp drop goal at Benetton last time out but will be bidding to maintain their winning record at the new DAM Health Stadium when the DHL Stormers visit.

The capital club have played seven previous matches against South African opponents, losing just twice - both on the road against the Cheetahs in 2017 and the Southern Kings in 2019.

The Stormers have lost their last four matches across the URC and the Rainbow Cup.

Edinburgh Rugby: Henry Immelman, Darcy Graham, James Lang, Cammy Hutchison, Ramiro Moyano, Jaco van der Walt, Ben Vellacott, Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry, Luan de Bruin, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (CAPT), Jamie Ritchie, Luke Crosbie, Viliame Mata

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Boan Venter, WP Nel, Jamie Hodgson, Magnus Bradbury, Charlie Shiel, James Johnstone, Damien Hoyland

DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Sergeal Petersen, Juan de Jongh, Rikus Pretorius, Edwill van der Merwe, Tim Swiel, Paul de Wet, Brok Harris, Scarra Ntubeni, Neethling Fouche, Ernst van Rhyn, Salmaan Moerat (CAPT), Nama Xaba, Willie Engelbrecht, Evan Roos.

Replacements: JJ Kotze, Kwenzo Blose, Sazi Sandi, Justin Basson, Marcel Theunissen, Godlen Masimla, Manie Libbok, Dan du Plessis.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Mike Blair said: “While we were clearly disappointed with last weekend’s result in Treviso, the effort and skills were there, and it’s been great to see that work ethic continue into this week’s training and preparation for facing the Stormers. We’ve made a number of changes to the starting line-up. Some through injury, but others because guys have put their hand up for selection through the way they’ve trained and we’re really excited to see those players get their opportunity. It’s great for the competition to have a team like Stormers involved. They play an exciting and fast-paced style of rugby while they’ve got a lot of size in their team too. It’s going to be a huge test for our guys this Saturday, but it’s one we look forward to immensely. We really enjoyed playing in front of our fans against Scarlets. Their support made a huge difference and we’re hoping to get a really good crowd at DAM Health Stadium once again this weekend.”

DHL Stomers Head Coach John Dobson said: "Juan will be remembered as a legend of DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province rugby. His contribution since coming back earlier this year has been invaluable and I know the team are determined to give him a performance to celebrate on Saturday. We have shown glimpses of what we are capable of already on this tour and the challenge now is to sustain that intensity throughout the match. It has been another week of hard work and we are excited to see what this team can do out there on Saturday,"

Cardiff Rugby v Vodacom Bulls

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA

Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 11th league game)
AR 1: Ben Whitehouse (WRU) AR 2: John Darcy (WRU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

Live on: S4C, SuperSport, Premier Sports 2 & URC TV

Cardiff welcome the Vodacom Bulls boasting an impressive recent home record, having won their last four matches at the Arms Park.

The capital region have lost only two of their previous eight matches against South African opponents, with both of those defeats coming away from home.

The Bulls have lost their last two matches but have not lost three in succession since doing so in Super Rugby in February 2020.

Cardiff's Owen Lane is the competition's joint-top try scorer with three from the opening two matches, sitting alongside Benetton’s Gianmarco Lucchesi and Nick Timoney of Ulster.

Cardiff Rugby: Hallam Amos; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Rhys Priestland, Lloyd Williams; Rhys Carré, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Seb Davies, Matthew Screech, Josh Navidi, Will Boyde, James Ratti

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Rory Thornton, Josh Turnbull, Tomos Williams, Willis Halaholo, Matthew Morgan

Vodacom Bulls: David Kriel, Madosh Tambwe, Cornal Hendricks, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Simphiwe Matanzima, Bismarck du Plessis, Jacques van Rooyen, Janko Swanepoel, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Jacques du Plessis, Elrigh Louw.

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Lizo Gqoboka, Robert Hunt, Walt Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith, Lionel Mapoe

Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “We’ll need to more than match their physicality and if we can do that while moving them about, I’m sure we can get the right result. But we don’t want to get locked into an arm-wrestle because they’re a big, powerful unit. I’m excited for it and I’m hoping that the local supporters come out to support it. It’s a first opportunity for them to look at a South African franchise. Everyone talks up Super Rugby so it’s nice for them to have the opportunity to see them at first hand.”

Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, said: “We are making a few changes to our match-day squad this week to ensure that we utilise our squad depth while giving fair opportunity to the players to get a feel of this competitive tournament. Cardiff has shown good form so far this season in their win over Connacht at home, and last week’s very narrow defeat in the Welsh derby against Ospreys. We expect them to come out guns blazing, and we have no doubt that they will be a tough side to face.”

SUNDAY, 10^th October

Scarlets v Munster Rugby

Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli - KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA

Referee: Ben Blain (SRU, 13th league game)

AR 1: Craig Evans (WRU) AR 2: Simon Mills (WRU)

TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)

Live on: S4C, RTÉ 2, Premier Sports 1 & URC TV

The Scarlets have lost just one of their last six home matches across the PRO14, Rainbow Cup and United Rugby Championship. 

The Llanelli-based region suffered a 28-10 defeat when they visited Thomond Park in March while the most recent meeting at Parc y Scarlets ended 30-27 in the Munstermen's favour, with Leigh Halfpenny kicking all of the Scarlets' points.

Munster have lost just twice away from home in any competition in 2021 - at Ulster in January and Leinster in the PRO14 final.

The Irish province have won their last 14 matches against Welsh regions in all competitions.

Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl, Tom Rogers, Jonathan Davies (CAPT), Scott Williams, Steff Evans, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Rob Evans, Ken Owens, Samson Lee, Lloyd Ashley, Aaron Shingler, Blade Thomson, Dan Davis, Sione Kalamafoni.

Replacements:  Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Will Griff John, Morgan Jones, Shaun Evans, Kieran Hardy, Dan Jones, Johnny Williams.

Munster Rugby: Matt Gallagher, Calvin Nash, Liam Coombes, Dan Goggin, Shane Daly, Ben Healy, Neil Cronin; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer, Thomas Ahern, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O'Donoghue (CAPT), Chris Cloete, Jack O'Sullivan.

Replacements: Kevin O'Byrne, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, RG Snyman, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Jack Crowley, Jack Daly.

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “Munster are an 80-minute team so it is important we match that intensity for the whole game. They will be buoyant coming here and ready to come after us physically. That is the challenge for us, we respect that and know it is a step up in intensity this week.”