United Rugby Championship: Round 5 Predictions

I recorded 6 out of 8 last weekend, after I changed my mind on the Dragons v Stormers game and incorrectly picked the home team, and then Benetton scuppered me yet again.

This week I’m feeling confident with only 6 games to contend with, and those pesky Italians away from home.

Remember that there are no South African teams in action this weekend, but the competition continues for one more week before the November Internationals.

Here are my United Rugby Championship predictions for Round 5 this weekend.

Glasgow v Leinster

This is usually a great match-up, and the Scots will be feeling confident having won 3 in a row, but the Leinster team looks too good on paper. Johnny Sexton is rested, but I rate Ross Byrne highly and they are no weaker with Byrne at fly-half. Leinster by 9

Scarlets v Benetton

Surely this has to be a home win? The Scarlets have been poor in their last couple of outings and they have a raft of injuries and international absentees, but I’m not backing Benetton away from home, particularly after losing to the Ospreys last week. Scarlets by 7

Zebre v Edinburgh

Edinburgh lost on their last trip to Italy a couple of weeks ago, but they should be too strong for Zebre here. They have won their last three against Zebre, including a 16-point away win in January. Edinburgh by 13

Cardiff v Dragons

That remarkable win over Connacht is looking like an anomaly for the Dragons, and their record against Cardiff is abysmal. Cardiff by 8

Connacht v Ulster

Matches between these two teams are usually fairly close, but Ulster are flying so far this season, scoring an average of over 30 points per match, and they should be favourites for this one. Ulster by 6

Ospreys v Munster

Munster have won their last 10 in a row against Ospreys, and mostly quite comfortable as well. They only scraped past Connacht last weekend, but I think they’ll beat the Welsh side here. Munster by 9