United Rugby Championship: Round 16 Predictions

The inter-hemisphere matches return this weekend, as the South African teams travel to Europe, and some have tougher assignments than others.

Here are my United Rugby Championship predictions for this weekend.

Zebre v Bulls

This is a great opportunity for the Bulls to get back towards the top of the South African conference, and keep up the pressure on log leaders the Stormers, who have a difficult assignment in Galway. It should be a fairly comfortable away win. Bulls by 13

Leinster v Lions

With Ireland in action in the Six Nations, now is the ideal time to play Leinster, but the Lions have struggled for any sort of form in this tournament, and this is likely to be pretty straightforward for the home team. Leinster by 23

Connacht v Stormers

This is a great fixture as the Stormers visit Galway, where the weather in February is somewhat different to summer in Cape Town. Connacht recorded an important win over the Scarlets last weekend, and I’d say the home side are favourites to beat the top South African team here. Connacht by 6

Benetton v Sharks

The top Italian side have only lost once at home so far this season, but without their internationals and up against a star-studded Sharks squad, I’m expecting a win for the South Africans here. Sharks by 9