URC: Team News for Round 16 - Siya Kolisi returns for Sharks

The Warriors will want nothing more than to complete their mini-tour of South Africa with a win in Cape Town, whilst a bonus point victory for the Stormers could take them top of the table. The play off race continues to heat up, with an Irish inter-provincial derby set to re-shuffle the rankings in Limerick. Munster host Ulster at Thomond Park, with crucial points on the line at this late stage of the season.

So, with so much to play for across the 16th round of the United Rugby Championship, here's a look across how all the teams line up ahead of the incoming weekend.

Cardiff Rugby have made five changes for their Round 16 United Rugby Championship derby against the Ospreys at the Cardiff Arms Park (Friday, 19:00), with head coach Corniel van Zyl reshuffling both the pack and backline following last weekend’s win over the Scarlets. The Blue & Blacks remain firmly in the hunt for the URC play-offs, and van Zyl has opted for four forward changes and one in the backs as they prepare for a crucial Welsh derby on home soil.

In the backs, Tom Bowen is the only new inclusion, coming in on the wing for Mason Grady, who is ruled out with a fractured thumb. Up front, there is a reshuffle across the pack. Taine Basham and Dan Thomas are both promoted into the starting back row, with Alex Mann dropping to the bench and James Botham unavailable through injury. In the second row, Rory Thornton comes into the XV to partner Josh McNally. The front row also sees Javan Sebastian return to start.

Ospreys head into their Round 16 URC clash with Cardiff Rugby at the Cardiff Arms Park (Friday, 19:00) with captain Jac Morgan leading the side from openside flanker in an otherwise settled starting XV. The visitors have made minimal changes for the derby, with continuity preferred across the squad as they prepare for a high-intensity Welsh showdown.

In the pack, Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead prop, Sam Parry is at hooker, and Tom Botha completes the front row. The second row sees Rhys Davies and Ryan Smith retained, while the back row is unchanged with James Ratti, Morgan Morris, and Morgan Morgan anchoring the unit. In the backs, Reuben Morgan-Williams continues at scrum-half with Dan Edwards at fly-half. The midfield pairing of Keiran Williams and Owen Watkin remains intact, while the back three features Luke Morgan, Dan Kasende, and Jack Walsh at full-back.

1 Rhys Barratt, 2 Liam Belcher (c), 3 Javan Sebastian, 4 Josh McNally, 5 Rory Thornton, 6 Alun Lawrence, 7 Dan Thomas, 8 Taine Basham, 9 Johan Mulder, 10 Callum Sheedy, 11 Tom Bowen, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Rory Jennings, 14 Jacob Beetham, 15 Cam Winnett

Replacements: 16 Daf Hughes, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 George Nott, 20 Evan Lloyd, 21 Alex Mann, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Ioan Lloyd

1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Sam Parry, 3 Tom Botha, 4 Rhys Davies, 5 Ryan Smith, 6 James Ratti, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 8 Morgan Morris, 9 Reuben Morgan-Williams, 10 Dan Edwards, 11 Luke Morgan, 12 Keiran Williams, 13 Owen Watkin, 14 Dan Kasende, 15 Jack Walsh

Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Steffan Thomas, 18 Ben Warren, 19 Huw Sutton, 20 Ross Moriarty, 21 Harri Deaves, 22 Kieran Hardy, 23 Max Nagy

Zebre Parma have named a settled starting XV for their Round 16 United Rugby Championship clash with Dragons RFC, with Giacomo Montemauri continuing at full-back as the Italian side look to build momentum at home. The hosts have kept faith with the same match day group, with continuity the key focus heading into the fixture against the Dragons.

In the backline, Montemauri is joined by Simone Gesi and Malik Faissal on the wings, with Giulio Bertaccini and Damiano Mazza forming the midfield partnership. Giacomo Da Re and Alessandro Fusco continue as the half-back pairing.

Up front, Paolo Buonfiglio packs down at loosehead prop alongside Tommaso Di Bartolomeo at hooker and Ion Neculai at tighthead. The second row is made up of Matteo Canali and Leonard Krumov, while the back row features Alessandro Ortombina, David Odiase and Giovanni Licata.

Dragons RFC have made 11 changes, with Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter both returning to the starting XV. Head coach Filo Tiatia has significantly reshaped his side following last week’s defeat to the Bulls, with changes across the pack and backs as the Dragons look to respond on the road.

Wainwright returns at number eight to anchor a reshuffled back row alongside Thomas Young and Shane Lewis-Hughes. In the second row, Ben Carter comes straight back into the starting XV as co-captain, partnering Levi Douglas. There is also a refreshed front row, with Dillon Lewis restored to start alongside Rodrigo Martinez and Brodie Coghlan.

In the backs, Rhodri Williams returns at scrum-half to partner Tinus de Beer, while Angus O’Brien shifts back to full-back. Aneurin Owen returns in midfield alongside Fetuli Paea, who faces his former club at outside centre. On the wings, David Richards comes into the starting side with Jared Rosser switching flanks.

1 Paolo Buonfiglio, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 3 Ion Neculai, 4 Matteo Canali, 5 Leonard Krumov, 6 Alessandro Ortombina, 7 David Odiase, 8 Giovanni Licata, 9 Alessandro Fusco, 10 Giacomo Da Re, 11 Simone Gesi, 12 Damiano Mazza, 13 Giulio Bertaccini, 14 Malik Faissal, 15 Giacomo Montemaur

Replacements:
16 Shilo Klein, 17 Muhamed Hasa, 18 Matteo Nocera, 19 Bautista Stavile, 20 Samuele Locatelli, 21 Thomas Dominguez, 22 Marco Zanon, 23 Jacopo Trulla

1 Rodrigo Martinez, 2 Brodie Coghlan, 3 Dillon Lewis, 4 Levi Douglas, 5 Ben Carter (cc), 6 Shane Lewis-Hughes, 7 Thomas Young, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 9 Rhodri Williams, 10 Tinus de Beer, 11 Jared Rosser, 12 Aneurin Owen, 13 Fetuli Paea, 14 David Richards, 15 Angus O’Brien

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Owain James, 19 Matthew Screech, 20 Seb Davies, 21 Morgan Lloyd, 22 Harri Ackerman, 23 Huw Anderson

Edinburgh Rugby have made three changes, with Cammy Scott coming into the starting XV at fly-half. Head coach Sean Everitt has opted for continuity following last week’s dramatic win over Zebre Parma, with only minimal adjustments to the matchday squad as the capital side continue their push in the URC standings.

Scott replaces Ross Thompson at stand-off, with Thompson rotating to the bench in one of the key backline changes. In the pack, Glen Young is promoted to the starting side at blindside flanker, while Tom Currie comes into the XV at number eight. Both replace Liam McConnell and Connor Boyle, who are ruled out through concussion protocols after last weekend’s match.

Elsewhere, the spine of the team remains settled, with Hector Patterson again selected at scrum-half following his standout display last week. The back three of Piers O’Conor, Darcy Graham and Malelili Satala is retained, while Mosese Tuipulotu and Findlay Thomson continue in midfield. Up front, Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Ollie Blyth-Lafferty form the front row, with Marshall Sykes and Grant Gilchrist in the engine room and Freddy Douglas at openside flanker.

Hollywoodbets Sharks have named Siya Kolisi among the replacements, with the Springbok captain set to return from a calf injury in his 50th appearance for the franchise.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made just two changes to the starting XV for the final match of the Sharks’ overseas tour, prioritising continuity as they aim to finish the regular season strongly. Makazole Mapimpi comes into the side on the wing, replacing Ethan Hooker, who is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.

Captain Andre Esterhuizen shifts to outside centre, forming a new midfield combination alongside Siya Masuku. The rest of the starting side remains unchanged, including teenage full-back Zekhethelo Siyaya, who retains his place after an impressive breakthrough performance last week.

1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 4 Marshall Sykes, 5 Grant Gilchrist (c), 6 Glen Young, 7 Freddy Douglas, 8 Tom Currie, 9 Hector Patterson, 10 Cammy Scott, 11 Malelili Satala, 12 Mosese Tuipulotu, 13 Findlay Thomson, 14 Darcy Graham, 15 Piers O’Conor

Replacements: 16 Dylan Richardson, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Callum Hunter-Hill, 20 Tom Dodd, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 Ross Thompson, 23 Jack Brown

1 Phatu Ganyane, 2 Fez Mbatha, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 10 Jean Smith, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Siya Masuku, 13 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter

DHL Stormers welcome Glasgow Warriors to Cape Town on Saturday in a top-of-the-table showdown, with both sides looking to strengthen their position at the summit of the standings.

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith has made 10 changes to the XV that featured against the Bulls at Ellis Park, with Ryan Burke set to make his first start for the club just a week after his debut off the bench. The former Scotland U20 international partners Alex Samuel in the second row as part of a reshaped pack.

There is a new-look front row, with Gregor Hiddleston and Zander Fagerson promoted from the bench, while Patrick Schickerling comes in at loosehead after being rested last time out in South Africa. The back row sees continuity with Euan Ferrier and Jack Dempsey joined by Angus Fraser at openside, fresh off signing a contract extension.

Behind the scrum, Ben Afshar and Adam Hastings form the half-back pairing, with Hastings returning from a head injury. The midfield remains settled with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones continuing their partnership, while Kyle Steyn captains the side from the wing. Ollie Smith shifts to the opposite wing, with Kyle Rowe at full-back.

The Stormers, meanwhile, also name a strong side led by Ruhan Nel, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu reaching a milestone 50th appearance for the Cape Town outfit at fly-half. Damian Willemse starts at full-back and Wandisile Simelane returns on the wing, while Evan Roos anchors the back row. Both packs feature international quality throughout, with the Stormers’ set-piece power and attacking strike runners set against a Glasgow side known for its physicality and cohesion.

1 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 3 Neethling Mchunu, 4 Adré Smith, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 8 Evan Roos, 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11 Leolin Zas, 12 Dan du Plessis, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 14 Wandisile Simelane, 15 Damian Willemse

Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Marcel Theunissen, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Imad Khan, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Markus Muller

1 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Ryan Burke, 5 Alex Samuel, 6 Euan Ferrier, 7 Angus Fraser, 8 Jack Dempsey, 9 Ben Afshar, 10 Adam Hastings, 11 Ollie Smith, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn (c), 15 Kyle Rowe

Replacements: 16 Johnny Matthews, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Dylan Cockburn, 20 Jare Oguntibeju, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Stafford McDowall, 23 Jack Oliver

Fidelity SecureDrive Lions host Connacht at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday in a crucial fixture, with Ivan van Rooyen’s side continuing their push to secure a place in the play-off positions as the race to the top eight intensifies.

The Lions have made four changes to their matchday squad, including one positional switch in the pack. Ruan Venter moves from blindside flanker into the second row to replace the injured Etienne Oosthuizen, while Batho Hlekani is promoted from the bench to start at flanker. The headline milestone belongs to hooker PJ Botha, who will make his 100th appearance for the Lions across all competitions. The experienced front-rower reaches the landmark at home, marking a decade of service for the franchise.

In the backline, Morne van den Berg and Chris Smith continue at half-back, while the midfield pairing of Richard Kriel and Henco van Wyk remains unchanged. Francke Horn captains the side from number eight, with Quan Horn, Angelo Davids and Erich Cronje forming the back three. There is further impact available from the bench, with Morne Brandon returning to the matchday 23, while Siba Qoma provides additional forward cover.

Connacht arrive in Johannesburg with Stuart Lancaster’s side making 10 changes following their win over the Stormers. Tighthead prop Jack Aungier will make his 100th appearance for the Irish province, while there is a refreshed front row and second row combination to face the Lions pack.

The visitors also include a reshuffled half-back pairing of Colm Reilly and Jack Carty, while Paul Boyle starts at number eight and Shane Jennings returns on the wing after being passed fit. Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said the challenge against Connacht would demand full focus from the first minute, with the Irish side’s attacking structure and physical set-piece expected to test his team.

1 SJ Kotze, 2 PJ Botha, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 4 Ruan Venter, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 6 Siba Mahashe, 7 Batho Hlekani, 8 Francke Horn (c), 9 Morne van den Berg, 10 Chris Smith, 11 Erich Cronje, 12 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 14 Angelo Davids, 15 Quan Horn

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Kelly Mpeku

1 Peter Dooley, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 3 Jack Aungier, 4 Niall Murray, 5 Joe Joyce, 6 Cian Prendergast (c), 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 8 Paul Boyle, 9 Colm Reilly, 10 Jack Carty, 11 Shane Jennings, 12 Hugh Gavin, 13 John Devine, 14 Harry West, 15 Sam Gilbert

Replacements: 16 Matthew Victory, 17 Billy Bohan, 18 Fiachna Barrett, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Sean Jansen, 21 Matthew Devine, 22 Sean Naughton, 23 Shayne Bolton

Munster host Ulster at Thomond Park on Saturday evening in a crucial Round 16 URC derby, with just a single point separating the sides in the table and three rounds remaining in the regular season. Munster have made just one change to the team that beat Benetton in Treviso, with Oli Jager coming into the starting XV at tighthead prop after returning from injury last week. Michael Ala’alatoa shifts to the bench after a consistent run of starts since joining the province.

There is a major milestone in the backline as Calvin Nash starts on his 100th Munster appearance, following confirmation of a new contract extension earlier this week. Jack Crowley and Craig Casey continue their half-back partnership, while Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell are paired in midfield. Shane Daly and Andrew Smith join Nash in the back three.

Up front, Jean Kleyn partners captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row, with Tom Ahern, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes forming the back row.

Ulster arrive with a heavily changed and youthful side, including five academy players in the matchday 23 due to his squad suffering a plethora of injuries. Michael Lowry captains the province for the first time in a competitive fixture from full-back. Head Coach Richie Murphy has named three debutants in the starting XV in James McKillop, Tom Brigg and Aitzol Arenzana-King, with Ben Moxham also making his first start since November 2023. Murphy said the mix of youth and experience is part of the challenge heading to Thomond Park.

1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 3 Oli Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 6 Tom Ahern, 7 John Hodnett, 8 Gavin Coombes, 9 Craig Casey, 10 Jack Crowley, 11 Shane Daly, 12 Alex Nankivell, 13 Tom Farrell, 14 Andrew Smith, 15 Calvin Nash

Replacements: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Michael Ala’alatoa, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Ben O’Donovan, 22 Dan Kelly, 23 Alex Kendellen

1 Eric O’Sullivan, 2 James McCormick, 3 Bryan O’Connor, 4 Harry Sheridan, 5 Charlie Irvine, 6 James McKillop, 7 Tom Brigg, 8 Lorcan McLoughlin, 9 Conor McKee, 10 Jake Flannery, 11 Ben Moxham, 12 Ben Carson, 13 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Aitzol Arenzana-King, 15 Michael Lowry (c)

16 John Andrew, 17 Callum Reid, 18 Tom McAllister, 19 Joe Hopes, 20 Marcus Rea, 21 David Shanahan, 22 James Humphreys, 23 Jonny Scott

Benetton Rugby host Leinster Rugby at the Stadio Monigo on Saturday evening in Round 16 of the BKT United Rugby Championship, with kick-off at 20:45 local time. The hosts head into their final home fixture of the regular season looking to finish on a high after last week’s 15–45 defeat to Munster, while Leinster arrive in strong form, sitting third in the table and still firmly in the hunt for a favourable playoff position.

Calum MacRae has made limited changes to his Benetton side despite a difficult result last time out, with continuity the key theme as the squad looks to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading teams. Matt Gallagher continues at full-back, with Ignacio Mendy and Paolo Odogwu named on the wings. Tommaso Menoncello and Malakai Fekitoa again combine in midfield, while Jacob Umaga and Alessandro Garbisi continue their half-back partnership.

Up front, Destiny Aminu, Bautista Bernasconi and Tiziano Pasquali form the front row. Giulio Marini partners Riccardo Favretto in the second row, while Michele Lamaro captains the side from flanker alongside Manuel Zuliani, with Lorenzo Cannone at number eight.

Leinster, meanwhile, have made 13 changes to their starting XV, with key international back-row duo Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier returning from injury to boost Leo Cullen’s side ahead of the run-in. There is a new front row of Ed Byrne, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, while Conor O’Tighearnaigh joins Brian Deeny in the second row. Jack Conan starts at blindside flanker in a reshaped back row.

In the backs, Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne form the half-back pairing, with Rieko Ioane and Jamie Osborne in midfield. Jimmy O’Brien and Tommy O’Brien start on the wings, with Ciarán Frawley at full-back. Leinster remain firmly in contention at the top end of the table, while Benetton will be aiming to challenge one of the competition’s heavyweights in front of their home support.

1 Destiny Aminu, 2 Bautista Bernasconi, 3 Tiziano Pasquali, 4 Giulio Marini, 5 Riccardo Favretto, 6 Manuel Zuliani, 7 Michele Lamaro (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 9 Alessandro Garbisi, 10 Jacob Umaga, 11 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 13 Tommaso Menoncello, 14 Ignacio Mendy, 15 Matt Gallaghe

Replacements: 16 Nicholas Gasperini, 17 Ivan Nemer, 18 Marcos Gallorini, 19 Niccolò Cannone, 20 So’otala Fa’aso’o, 21 Eli Snyman, 22 Andy Uren, 23 Leonardo Marin

1 Ed Byrne, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Conor O’Tighearnaigh, 5 Brian Deeny, 6 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Harry Byrne, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 12 Rieko Ioane, 13 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 15 Ciarán Frawle

Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jerry Cahir, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Alex Soroka, 20 Scott Penny, 21 Fintan Gunne, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Charlie Tector

Scarlets host the Vodacom Bulls at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday evening, with the Welsh region continuing to blend emerging talent with senior experience as the season reaches its final stretch.

Interim Director of Rugby Nigel Davies has named a side featuring a major milestone, a debut, and a reshaped backline following last weekend’s defeat to Cardiff. There is a URC debut on the wing for academy product Callum Woolley, who comes into the side on the right wing after an impressive season with Carmarthen Quins and representative involvement with Great Britain Sevens. He replaces Ellis Mee, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

On the opposite wing, Macs Page starts on the left, while Blair Murray continues at full-back. In midfield, Joe Roberts is selected at outside centre, with Eddie James shifting to inside centre in a new combination. Joe Hawkins and Dane Blacker continue their half-back partnership for a second straight week. Up front, the only change sees Henry Thomas return at tighthead prop, replacing Archer Holz following HIA protocols. He joins Kemsley Mathias and Ryan Elias in the front row.

Sam Lousi and Max Douglas continue their second-row partnership, while the back row of Taine Plumtree, captain Fletcher Anderson and Jarrod Taylor remains unchanged. There is also a potential milestone from the bench, where Dan Davis will make his 100th Scarlets appearance if introduced.

The Vodacom Bulls arrive in Llanelli with significant changes of their own, particularly in the pack and back three, as Johan Ackermann’s side look to strengthen their push in the URC standings. Wilco Louw returns at tighthead prop to bolster the scrum, while Ruan Vermaak is promoted into the starting second row. The back row remains unchanged with Marcell Coetzee captaining the side alongside Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom.

In the backs, Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the wing, Cheswill Jooste starts on the opposite flank, and David Kriel shifts to full-back in a reshuffled back three. Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier continue to direct the Bulls from half-back.

1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Sam Lousi, 5 Max Douglas, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Jarrod Taylor, 8 Fletcher Anderson (c), 9 Dane Blacker, 10 Joe Hawkins, 11 Macs Page, 12 Eddie James, 13 Joe Roberts, 14 Callum Woolley, 15 Blair Murray

Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Josh Morse, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Jac Price, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 23 Ioan Jones

1 Gerhard Steenekamp, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 9 Embrose Papier, 10 Handré Pollard, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Harold Vorster, 13 Stedman Gans, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 15 David Kriel

Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Jeandre Rudolph