United Rugby Championship Round 2: Welsh teams seek victories after mixed opener
Ben Carter and Dragons host the Sharks in Round Two of the URC
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The second instalment of the United Rugby Championship season gets underway on Friday night following a tricky opening weekend for the four Welsh teams.
Cardiff were the only side to claim victory, defeating the Lions at Cardiff Arms Park, while the Ospreys secured a try bonus point in a high-scoring affair with the Bulls in Pretoria.
The Dragons and Scarlets, however, suffered defeats against Irish opposition. Filo Tiatia’s side lost in Belfast to Ulster, while Munster claimed the full five points at Parc y Scarlets.
So, what can we expect in the second round, and could three Welsh teams secure their first wins of the season?
Can the Ospreys continue their winning run over the Stormers?
The Ospreys kick off proceedings on Friday night in Cape Town against the Stormers. Historically, the Ospreys have had the upper hand, winning three of the four previous meetings, including the last two matches after a 16-16 draw in 2022.
One of those victories came in Cape Town in April 2024, with Luke Morgan scoring twice, supported by tries from Sam Parry and Harri Deaves.
The Stormers began their season with a resounding 35-0 win over defending champions Leinster at DHL Stadium. However, they will be without three Springbok internationals - Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu- due to the ongoing Rugby Championship.
Fly-half Jurie Matthee was pivotal in last week’s win, contributing 20 points with a try, three conversions, and three penalties.
The Ospreys will be without British & Irish Lion Jac Morgan, who picked up a minor calf injury during a testing session with the WRU, ruling him out of the trip to South Africa.
Flanker Deaves stood out in Pretoria, making 17 tackles and creating a try, and will be key if the Ospreys are to continue their winning streak over the Stormers.
Home win a must for the Dragons
The Dragons play their first home game of the season at Rodney Parade as the Sharks continue their northern hemisphere tour. The South African side opened with a 35-19 defeat away at Glasgow Warriors.
Tiatia’s side showed promise in their loss to Ulster, particularly in the opening quarter, but errors and lapses in discipline allowed the Irish province to build a steady lead.
Last season, the two teams met in Round Two, with the Sharks scoring a late try in a game the Dragons could have closed out earlier. While Jared Rosser scored last weekend, the Dragons must find ways to involve their back three, who were starved of the ball - Welsh international wing Rio Dyer touched the ball just twice.
The Dragons will be without hooker Elliot Dee (injury) and centre Joe Westwood, while the Sharks, despite missing 20 players, can field a strong team including Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Jaden Hendrikse.
If the Dragons are to avoid a season near the foot of the table, victories must come soon to build momentum during this opening block.
An opportunity for a Scarlets away win?
Dwanye Peel’s Scarlets travel to Galway to face Connacht, who opened their season with a win over Benetton. First-half scores from Josh Ioane and Sean Naughton helped Connacht gain momentum in a match marked by three yellow cards.
The Scarlets had not beaten Irish opposition since March 2021 before last season’s win over Leinster at home. This weekend, they aim to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat to Connacht, who have had the upper hand in recent meetings.
Last week against Munster, the Scarlets created opportunities but lacked clinical execution, scoring three tries but making just four linebreaks, compared to Munster wing Shane Daly who made three on his own.
To challenge Connacht, the Scarlets will rely on Taine Plumtree and Jake Ball to provide go-forward ball for their back line.
Can Cardiff pose a threat to Munster?
The final Welsh fixture of the weekend sees Cardiff travel to Munster. The hosts will seek back-to-back wins over Welsh opposition after opening the Clayton McMillan era with a bonus-point win in Llanelli.
Historically, matches between these sides have been close. Munster have won three of the last five, Cardiff two, with the home team victorious in all five. The last three encounters were decided by margins of five to seven points, with Cardiff winning the previous meeting in April 2025.
Corniel van Zyl’s side will be without centre Ben Thomas, suspended following a red card against the Lions. Taine Basham is set to start for the second straight game, after waiting over 17 months for a win following his move from the Dragons. His last victory before last weekend came in March 2024.
Expect a tight encounter at Thomond Park on Saturday night, with Cardiff aiming to continue their attacking style of rugby.
