URC Wrap-up: Round 1

Lions vs Zebre: 

The Emirates Lions got their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign off to a perfect start with a superb 38-26 victory over Zebre in Parma on Friday evening, despite a strong second half comeback by the Italian hosts. 

The men from Johannesburg were out of the blocks at 100km/h at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi and scored five first half tries to take a 35-0 lead into the break, but Zebre didn’t give up and carded three five-pointers and a penalty try in the second half. 

Munster vs Sharks: 

Munster got their United Rugby Championship campaign off to a positive start with a 42-17 home win over the Sharks. The Sharks missed an early penalty, with Munster opening the scoring with a try shortly after. The Sharks picked up a yellow card 28 minutes in, with the sides trading penalties around the half hour mark. Munster finished the first half strongly, running in two late tries to take a 20-3 lead into the break. Ten minutes into the second half Munster had the bonus point fourth try to extend their lead out to 27-3. The Sharks hit back five minutes later with their first try to make 27-10 heading into the final quarter. Munster slotted a penalty before a second Sharks try reduced the deficit to 30-17 with just under ten minutes remaining. However, as they did in the first half, Munster finished off in style, crossing for two late tries to seal the victory. 

Leinster vs Bulls: 

Leinster proved too strong for the Bulls as they cruised to a 31-3 win in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship. Leinster started like a house on fire, following up an early penalty with two quick tries to race into a 17-0 lead just 14 minutes into the match. The Bulls got on the board with a penalty after 22 minutes, but neither side would add to the scoreline before the break as Leinster took a 17-3 advantage into halftime. Leinster went over for their third try approaching the hour mark to push their lead out to 24-3. The all important bonus point fourth try followed with around 10 minutes remaining as Leinster sealed a comfortable home victory. 

Cardiff vs Connacht: 

Cardiff cruised to victory against Connacht in their first taste of the United Rugby Championship competition. Cardiff suffered ill fortune as they lost both their flyhalves within the first 20 minutes of the match, prompting Lloyd Williams to take up the number 10 role at which he excelled. The Welsh outfit ran in five tries while Connacht, whose discipline in the match left much to be desired, managed only a brace. Final score: 33-21.  

Ulster vs Glasgow: 

Ulster hit the ground running in their first fixture with a penalty try just three minutes into the game with Glasgow picking up a yellow card. The Scots dotted down their first of four tries fifteen minutes in but Ulster answered back with their second shortly before half-time. Ulster began the second stanza with purpose and ran in two quick tries to extend their lead significantly. Despite a yellow card for the Irish outfit, they managed to add another try to their tally. However, Glasgow were not done and the final segment of the match saw a furious onslaught which their opponents managed to weather and, ultimately, hold on for victory. Final score: 35-29. 

Benetton vs Stormers: 

The Capetonians appeared to be in control against Benetton, but a late flurry by the Italian side – winners of the Rainbow Cup earlier this year – saw the DHL Stormers leave Treviso with only a losing bonus point (22-18). 

Edinburgh vs Scarlets: 

A cracking game saw Edinburgh edge out Scarlets 26-22. Scarlets drew first blood with a well-worked try in the corner but Edinburgh hit back, in a great exhibition of skills, to dot down twice for a 14-8 lead. Shrewd individual work from Darcy Graham saw the winger dive over for Edinburgh’s third but Scarlets scrumhalf Kieran Hardy melted through Edinburgh’s defence to take his team to 15 points, just four shy of their opponents. Darcy Graham was at it again in the 57th minute, displaying beautiful footwork to charge in for his second try. Scarlets scored again with 15 minutes on the clock but Edinburgh’s defence tightened up to see them home. 

Dragons vs Ospreys: 

Ospreys came up trumps in their derby, competition opener against Dragons, albeit only just, with a score of 27-23. Flyhalf Gareth Anscombe performed well for Ospreys after his long injury lay-off. He converted both of Michael Collins’ tries as well as the one scored by Luke Morgan. It was a tight contest between the two Welsh giants who both showed and determination.