Official United Rugby Championship thread

[Chilli]

ENOUGH TALK ABOUT FLOUNCE BETS!
This site is quiet enough as it is.

Talk about sig bets etc.

Oom at your age we can forgive you, as you probably don't remember yesterday.
Handy, enough .

[Sards]

For you sards, I will consider a 2 week flounce bet. Give you a chance to level the playing field, I know the many bets I've won against you was painful.

Sards only take permanent flounce bets.

Listen, he is a big saaks fan, just sad that he's not willing to put his money where his mouth is. Chances of a Stormers victory is close to zero. They have the players, the coaches and the money and still he's afraid of the Stormers. I guess decades of living in our shadow has damaged him beyond repair.

Sighhhhhhh.........

Are we going here again.

Seriously lad. Let's wait for the match to be concluded. Then you or I can brag.

In the meantime let's discuss the rugby neh.....

[Sards]

Stormers playing......

Obviously the primary focus will be set piece. The incumbent bok Kitshoff, leading the scrums and the team. Bulls were really poor against them last weekend. I feel the Lions fielded a better scrum than the Bulls. So the Sharks had a decent hit out. So should be prepared for this match. Bongi will add some real power to the Sharks scrum. That's a relief. So this should be an important contest.

In the forwards the Sharks are going to have to be more competitive at the breakdown. Stormers are going to look to get to the ball quicker and turn it over. This is my biggest concern. I am not sure Kolisi is going to be the answer here. Look we know his linking play has improved leaps and bounds. And full credit to the management for giving him an extra week to get up to speed.

Stormers lost a very vigorous player in their co captain. Will be interesting to see how they juggle this.

Lineouts are going to be a lottery. With the history of the two hookers in mind. Hopefully the Sharks have worked with Bongi.

[OomStruisbaai]

$hark$ by 50. We want to play running rugby against the world's best backline.

[Rinkals]

$hark$ by 50. We want to play running rugby against the world's best backline.

I can't say I've watched too much Stormers rugby, but is "running rugby" really your brand?

If you had played "running rugby" when you had the likes of Kolbe playing for you, you would have wiped the floor with all opposition. Instead, you kicked to the corners to try to play the game in the opponent's 25. Which, while it is generally a winning formula, it's not really "running rugby" and nor is it very entertaining.

Traditionally, Natal rugby has always been about a lighter pack getting around the park more, and they seem to have moved away from that in recent years.

I initially welcomed Du Preez' appointment as coach because, as a former scrum half, I thought he would understand how to get a backline moving. I was wrong.

[FalseBayFC]

Sean Everitt is also a former scrumhalf if I recall correctly. Maritzburg College boy I think. Played Duikers and might have had a few games for the black and white.

[Chilli]

When are the cvnts from the Bulls, Lions and Stormers going to announce their teams?

Remember the old days under Kevin Putt, the $harks would delay announcing their team, then field a different team to what was announced?

Mind Games!

[OomStruisbaai]

Sean Everitt is also a former scrumhalf if I recall correctly. Maritzburg College boy I think. Played Duikers and might have had a few games for the black and white.

College boys living like pigs in this modern days.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.timesl ... ientation/

Prefects and house leaders at top KwaZulu-Natal school Maritzburg College have been suspended after they allegedly urinated in a waterlogged long jump pit prior to grade 8s crawling through it as part of an orientation event.

The school has denied this was part of an “initiation”, saying it was an annual orientation programme.

“The grade 8 orientation camp has taken place since January 2015 and in no way constitutes an initiation practise. Unfortunately, the lapse in judgement by the senior boys hours before the start of the event was unexpected and unacceptable and is contrary to the spirit of the event and the school as a whole.

"School staff were unaware of this conduct until after the completion of the orientation camp,” the school’s governing body said on Wednesday.

The governing body said the “bad behaviour” was “disappointing and unacceptable and under investigation”.

[assfly]

Traditionally, Natal rugby has always been about a lighter pack getting around the park more, and they seem to have moved away from that in recent years.

I initially welcomed Du Preez' appointment as coach because, as a former scrum half, I thought he would understand how to get a backline moving. I was wrong.

The good old days. It's what made me a Sharks fan as a kid, as well as the amount of Zimbos playing for them.

In recent years we definitely departed from that, only with the occasional glimpse of it in the odd game. But I feel this is our best backline we've had in a long time, so I hope we'll see more running rugby.

If I remember correctly, of the 6 tries scored last weekend, 5 were scored by backline players and 1 from a rolling maul. There is hope!

[Sards]

When are the cvnts from the Bulls, Lions and Stormers going to announce their teams?

Remember the old days under Kevin Putt, the $harks would delay announcing their team, then field a different team to what was announced?

Mind Games!

Honestly. I think the Stormers are struggling to field a side.
Jake needs to rethink his strategies. So that's probably his delay.

[average joe]

When are the cvnts from the Bulls, Lions and Stormers going to announce their teams?

Remember the old days under Kevin Putt, the $harks would delay announcing their team, then field a different team to what was announced?

Mind Games!

Honestly. I think the Stormers are struggling to field a side.
Jake needs to rethink his strategies. So that's probably his delay.

Jake needs to start winning or he'll be without a job. I doubt Rupert and Motsepe will be happy with how things are going so far.

[Sards]

When are the cvnts from the Bulls, Lions and Stormers going to announce their teams?

Remember the old days under Kevin Putt, the $harks would delay announcing their team, then field a different team to what was announced?

Mind Games!

Honestly. I think the Stormers are struggling to field a side.
Jake needs to rethink his strategies. So that's probably his delay.

Jake needs to start winning or he'll be without a job. I doubt Rupert and Motsepe will be happy with how things are going so far.

Look he did well up till last weekend. But he vokked up putting CC over URC....I think he expected an easier game from the Stormers. He didn't factor in the Gelant factor

[Sards]

Stormers team

15. Joe Pietersen
14. Gio Aplon
13. Jean de Villiers (captain)
12. Damian de Allende
11. Bryan Habana
10. Elton Jantjies
9. Nic Groom
8. Duane Vermeulen (vice-captain)
7. Rynhardt Elstadt
6. Siya Kolisi
5. Andries Bekker
4. De Kock Steenkamp
3. Frans Malherbe
2. Deon Fourie
1. Steven Kitshoff

Reserves:
16. Martin Bezuidenhout
17. Pat Cilliers
18. Don Armand
19. Nizaam Carr
20. Louis Schreuder
21. Peter Grant
22. Gerhard van den Heever







That was the Stormers last Superrugby team
Interesting to see some coming back and how many have left

[FalseBayFC]

This team looks very good. I'm hoping Siya and Bongi bring some mongrel and grunt to the Sharks. They're very good tight loose players.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers team

15. Joe Pietersen
14. Gio Aplon
13. Jean de Villiers (captain)
12. Damian de Allende
11. Bryan Habana
10. Elton Jantjies
9. Nic Groom
8. Duane Vermeulen (vice-captain)
7. Rynhardt Elstadt
6. Siya Kolisi
5. Andries Bekker
4. De Kock Steenkamp
3. Frans Malherbe
2. Deon Fourie
1. Steven Kitshoff

Reserves:
16. Martin Bezuidenhout
17. Pat Cilliers
18. Don Armand
19. Nizaam Carr
20. Louis Schreuder
21. Peter Grant
22. Gerhard van den Heever







That was the Stormers last Superrugby team
Interesting to see some coming back and how many have left

You are talking kak. That team is older then 10 years.

[OomStruisbaai]

Friday, January 28

Ulster v Scarlets
(Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – Kick-off: 19.35; 19.35

Teams:

Ulster: 15 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Ben Moxham, 12 Angus Curtis, 11 Rob Lyttle, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 Greg Jones, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 John Andrew, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Replacements: 16 Brad Roberts, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Gareth Milasinovich, 19 Mick Kearney, 20 David McCann, 21 David Shanahan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Aaron Sexton

Scarlets: 15 Ioan Nicholas, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Steff Hughes, 11 Ryan Conbeer, 10 Dan Jones, 9 Dane Blacker, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7 Shaun Evans, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Morgan Jones, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Daf Hughes (c), 1 Steff Thomas
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Josh Helps, 20 Aaron Shingler, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Steff Evans

Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Peter Marin & Andrew Cole
TMO: Olly Hodges

Dragons v Benetton
(Rodney Parade, Newport – Kick-off: 19.35; 19.35 GMT; 20.35 Italy time)
Prediction

Teams:

Dragons: 15 Josh Lewis, 14 Jonah Holmes, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 Sam Davies, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Ross Moriarty (c), 7 Ollie Griffiths, 6 Harri Keddie, 5 Joe Maksymiw, 4 Joe Davies, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Taylor Davies, 1 Aki Seiuli
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Josh Reynolds, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Huw Taylor, 20 Dan Baker, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jared Rosser, 23 Ioan Davies

Benetton: 15 Giacomo Da Re, 14 Lorenzo Pani, 13 Filippo Drago, 12 Joaquin Riera, 11 Tommaso Benvenuti, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Marco Lazzaroni, 6 Matteo Meggiato, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Irné Herbst, 3 Nahuel Tetaz, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Thomas Gallo
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Cherif Traore, 18 Filippo Alongi, 19 Nicola Piantella, 20 Braam Steyn, 21 Alessandro Garbisi, 22 Marco Zanon, 23 Tommy Bell

Referee: Andrew Brace
Assistant referees: Jason Bessant & John Darcy
TMO: Jon Mason

[OomStruisbaai]

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Willem Alberts, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

[robmatic]

Friday, January 28

Ulster v Scarlets
(Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – Kick-off: 19.35; 19.35

Teams:

Ulster: 15 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Ben Moxham, 12 Angus Curtis, 11 Rob Lyttle, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 Greg Jones, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 John Andrew, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Replacements: 16 Brad Roberts, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Gareth Milasinovich, 19 Mick Kearney, 20 David McCann, 21 David Shanahan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Aaron Sexton

Scarlets: 15 Ioan Nicholas, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Steff Hughes, 11 Ryan Conbeer, 10 Dan Jones, 9 Dane Blacker, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7 Shaun Evans, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Morgan Jones, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Daf Hughes (c), 1 Steff Thomas
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Josh Helps, 20 Aaron Shingler, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Steff Evans

Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Peter Marin & Andrew Cole
TMO: Olly Hodges

Dragons v Benetton
(Rodney Parade, Newport – Kick-off: 19.35; 19.35 GMT; 20.35 Italy time)
Prediction

Teams:

Dragons: 15 Josh Lewis, 14 Jonah Holmes, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 Sam Davies, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Ross Moriarty (c), 7 Ollie Griffiths, 6 Harri Keddie, 5 Joe Maksymiw, 4 Joe Davies, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Taylor Davies, 1 Aki Seiuli
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Josh Reynolds, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Huw Taylor, 20 Dan Baker, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jared Rosser, 23 Ioan Davies

Benetton: 15 Giacomo Da Re, 14 Lorenzo Pani, 13 Filippo Drago, 12 Joaquin Riera, 11 Tommaso Benvenuti, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Marco Lazzaroni, 6 Matteo Meggiato, 5 Carl Wegner, 4 Irné Herbst, 3 Nahuel Tetaz, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Thomas Gallo
Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Cherif Traore, 18 Filippo Alongi, 19 Nicola Piantella, 20 Braam Steyn, 21 Alessandro Garbisi, 22 Marco Zanon, 23 Tommy Bell

Referee: Andrew Brace
Assistant referees: Jason Bessant & John Darcy
TMO: Jon Mason

Scarlets to get pumped.

Benetton look to be missing a few players unfortunately, I'd fancy them otherwise against the Dragons.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

[Sards]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

Sharks thank you for benching Gelant

[FalseBayFC]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

That's a big blow. Two big ball carriers out. Moerat and Orie have been the two best locks in the SA sides for me.

[Chilli]

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Willem Alberts, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

Not an easy team to beat methinks.
Sicknote at 5? Isn't he a little short for 5?

[Chilli]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

That's a big blow. Two big ball carriers out. Moerat and Orie have been the two best locks in the SA sides for me.

Not quite the abrasive pack that I was expecting.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

That's a big blow. Two big ball carriers out. Moerat and Orie have been the two best locks in the SA sides for me.

Adre is similar to Moerat. Roos is a big loss. Dobson have a plan with that bench.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (c).
Subs: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Brok Harris, 19 Nama Xaba, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Warrick Gelant

Moerat & Roos injured.

That's a big blow. Two big ball carriers out. Moerat and Orie have been the two best locks in the SA sides for me.

Not quite the abrasive pack that I was expecting.

Missing fat Frans, Neethling

[handyman]

Should be a walk in the park for the saaks.

[OomStruisbaai]

Bulls – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe , 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Subs: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Muller Uys; 21 Zak Burger, 22 Chris Smith, 23 David Kriel.

[Chilli]

Bulls – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe , 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Subs: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Muller Uys; 21 Zak Burger, 22 Chris Smith, 23 David Kriel.

Good team, however I expect the Lions to win.

[Chilli]

Should be a walk in the park for the saaks.

By about 20 points?

[FalseBayFC]

Should be a walk in the park for the saaks.

By about 20 points?

They'll need to tighten up their defensive structures a bit. This last round of games exposed some dodgy defences which the overseas teams will exploit.

[handyman]

Should be a walk in the park for the saaks.

By about 20 points?

That close?

[Chilli]

Should be a walk in the park for the saaks.

By about 20 points?

That close?

Lead in the first half?

[weegie01]

Head Coach Mike Blair today named the Edinburgh Rugby squad for tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship Round 11 match against Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium (Saturday 29 January, kick-off 5.15pm) – live on Premier Sports.

The team selection includes nine changes to that which claimed a 66-3 EPCR Challenge Cup victory against Brive last weekend, as the capital club welcomes a number of internationalists back into the starting XV: Jaco van der Walt (stand-off), Henry Pyrgos (scrum-half), Dave Cherry (hooker), Marshall Sykes (lock) and Magnus Bradbury (back-row).

The remaining alterations are split evenly between the backline and forwards as young centre Matt Currie – named vice-captain for the first time – and full-back Henry Immelman both start, while loosehead Boan Venter and openside flanker Connor Boyle return to the capital pack.

Elsewhere, wing Darcy Graham – who once again starts on the wing – Jamie Hodgson, Ben Vellacott and Mark Bennett are all selected in the matchday 23 after being released from Scotland’s Six Nations training camp to take a place on the bench.

Ahead of a return to URC action, Head Coach Mike Blair said: “It’s great to head into this game off the back of a really encouraging win against Brive, where we did a lot of positive things in both attack and defence, however as a group we know that Ospreys will be a far tougher challenge, especially away from home.

“The Ospreys squad is filled with both experienced internationalists and exciting up-and-coming talent, while they’ll be looking for a reaction following a couple of tough losses in Europe.

“There is lot of competition for places in the squad where guys are constantly putting their hand up in training, so we’re excited to make a few changes to the line-up. A number of players have been given their opportunity in what is another massive league fixture for us.”

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium in Round 11 of the United Rugby Championship
Saturday 29 January, kick off 5.15pm – live on Premier Sports

15. Henry Immelman (8)

14. Darcy Graham (45)
13. Matt Currie (6) VICE-CAPTAIN
12. Cammy Hutchison (8)
11. Emiliano Boffelli (6)

10. Jaco van der Walt (77)
9. Henry Pyrgos (58) CAPTAIN

1. Boan Venter (17)
2. Dave Cherry (46) VICE CAPTAIN
3. Angus Williams (7)
4. Marshall Sykes (15)
5. Glen Young (2)
6. Magnus Bradbury (103)
7. Connor Boyle (12)
8. Mesulame Kunavula (16)

Replacements:

16. Adam McBurney (2)
17. Harrison Courtney (2)
18. Lee-Roy Atalifo (16)
19. Jamie Hodgson (32)
20. Ben Muncaster (4)
21. Ben Vellacott (10)
22. Charlie Savala (7)
23. Mark Bennett (61)

Unavailable: Luan de Bruin, Luke Crosbie, Nick Haining, Damien Hoyland, James Lang, Viliame Mata, Ramiro Moyano, Ben Toolis

[weegie01]

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson has named a starting XV containing 12 internationals ahead of the resumption of the United Rugby Championship this weekend, as his side travels to Galway to take on Connacht tomorrow afternoon.

The visitors will be looking to bounce back from their Heineken Champions Cup exit last weekend, as attentions turn to chasing down the three sides above them in the URC standings.

Enrique Pieretto comes into the starting lineup in place of Zander Fagerson at tight-head, with the Argentinian international joining up with Oli Kebble and co-captain Fraser Brown in the front-row.

The second-row sees Kiran McDonald pair up with Richie Gray, the latter currently leading the league in lineout steals with seven to his name to date this season.

Jack Dempsey continues at number eight as he looks to add to his URC-topping 52 carries in the season thus far, as Thomas Gordon – coming in for his first appearance since the victory over the Ospreys at Scotstoun earlier this month – and co-captain Ryan Wilson complete the back-row.

A new half-back combination sees George Horne line up at scrum-half, with Duncan Weir coming into the side for his first start since October’s meeting with Leinster at Scotstoun.

Sione Tuipulotu shifts from outside to inside centre for the trip to Galway, a shift that sees Kyle Steyn move into the midfield to start in the number 13 shirt.

Ollie Smith’s impressive try-scoring cameo off the bench against La Rochelle sees the former Ayr man selected at full-back, joining fellow former Scotland U20 star Rufus McLean and Argentinian flyer Sebastian Cancelliere in a back three packed with pace.

The bench sees Simon Berghan continue as the replacement tight-head, having made his first Glasgow Warriors appearance since the opening round of the URC last weekend after recovering from injury.

Johnny Matthews and Jamie Bhatti join Berghan as the front-row reinforcements, whilst Lewis Bean returns to the matchday 23 after missing last weekend’s clash with La Rochelle.

Ally Miller provides cover in the back-row, the former Scotland 7s star joining Scotland scrum-half Jamie Dobie amongst the replacements.

Ross Thompson rotates to the bench after seven consecutive starts at fly-half, whilst Stafford McDowall completes the matchday squad after his first selection since October’s victory away to Zebre Parma.

Speaking following selection, Head Coach Danny Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “We’re looking forward to resuming our league campaign tomorrow afternoon.

“We know the conditions we could face at The Sportsground and how Connacht like to play, and we’re ready for the challenge they present.

“Connacht are a side who have played well recently and are very consistent at home.

“We welcome back a couple of guys coming back to us at the end of the week from Scotland camp.

“The boy have trained well and we look forward to the challenge.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Connacht at The Sportsground, Saturday 29 January, kick-off 2.55pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (67)
2. Fraser Brown (116) (CC)
3. Enrique Pieretto (27)
4. Kiran McDonald (43)
5. Richie Gray (71)
6. Ryan Wilson (201) (CC)
7. Thomas Gordon (42)
8. Jack Dempsey (10)

9. George Horne (75)
10. Duncan Weir (116)
11. Rufus McLean (16)
12. Sione Tuipulotu (12)
13. Kyle Steyn (42)
14. Sebastian Cancelliere (3)
15. Ollie Smith (10)

16. Johnny Matthews (19)
17. Jamie Bhatti (58)
18. Simon Berghan (2)
19. Lewis Bean (14)
20. Ally Miller (3)
21. Jamie Dobie (26)
22. Ross Thompson (26)
23. Stafford McDowall (30)

Unavailable for selection: Hamish Bain, Rob Harley, Ewan McQuillin*, Josh McKay, Tom Lambert.

International duty: Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Sam Johnson, Ali Price, George Turner.

*Short-term loan to Ampthill RUFC

[weegie01]

That Edinburgh team are in with a decent shout in Wales. In the past in the international period there were always clear weaknesses, but even though there are a number of youngsters that is a very competitive squad. And we get to see Bole start who Edinburgh kept in preference to Darge.

Glasgow look to have a harder row to plough in Ireland, but good to see some youngsters who are either newish or had faded a bit after early promise getting picked.

[OomStruisbaai]

Dragons 13 -13 Benneton
Ulster 27-15 Scarlets.

[robmatic]

Dragons 13 -13 Benneton
Ulster 27-15 Scarlets.

I watched the second half of Dragons vs Benetton. Benetton were missing 23 players and their 10 and hooker were playing like drains and Dragons were still lucky to get a draw.

[fishfoodie]

Going to be a bit breezy in the Sportsground for Connacht v Glasgow today !

Lovely Sunny morning; but definitely a day to play the ball thru the hands; so I'm expecting an entertaining game

[Sards]

Bulls look angry

[Sards]

Bulls scrum is getting their heads shoved up their arses......

Not good.