United Rugby Championship predictions and fixture times for 18 - 20 February 2022

The Northern Hemisphere takes centre stage once again in the United Rugby Championship this weekend.

With South Africa’s four franchises putting their feet up for a week following their set of URC derbies on home soil, the action moves to Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

And it’s a useful tune-up for four of this weekend’s competing sides, with the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions due on European soil in the next round.

Cardiff Blues vs Zebre

We’re under the Friday night lights in the United Rugby Championship as Cardiff Blues welcome Zebre to the Welsh capital.

Both have been starved of fixtures thanks to the severity of Covid-19 restrictions in their respective countries in recent months, racking up just seven matches apiece.

The hosts are eyeing a push towards the top half despite that, however, not least thanks to their nail biting, 29-27 success over big boys Leinster last time out.

Rock bottom is the situation for the Italians, who have been beaten in all seven games with just a solitary losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Friday 18 February, kick off 21:35 SAST.

Munster vs Edinburgh

A battle royale at the top of the United Rugby Championship sees two in-form sides go head-to-head in the shape of Munster and Edinburgh.

The Scottish visitors are in good shape as they cross the Irish Sea, even sitting within reach of top spot after collecting six wins and a draw from their seven URC games so far.

Thomond Park is the venue as the home side, who also hold a game in hand on their opponents, attempt to break into the top four alongside countrymen Leinster and Ulster.

Friday 18 February, kick off 21:35 SAST.

Leinster vs Ospreys

The United Rugby Championship weekend continues on Saturday evening, with hotshots Leinster playing host to Ospreys in Dublin.

Ireland’s leading side in recent years haven’t had it all their own way in the URC so far, with defeat at Cardiff last time out making it two losses in the campaign overall, although they still sit second in the standings.

Their visitors head across from south Wales in decent shape themselves, sitting sixth in the table with six wins from ten.

Saturday 19 February, kick off 19:00 SAST.

Glasgow Warriors vs Benetton

The battle continues to intensify at the top of the United Rugby Championship table on Saturday night, as Glasgow Warriors go up against the challenge of Benetton.

One point separates the Scottish side from Ulster at the top of the URC standings coming into the weekend, as they sit level on points with second-placed Leinster.

Italy’s leading team are slap-bang in midtable thanks to four wins, four defeats and a draw so far.

Saturday 19 February, kick off 21:35 SAST.

Llanelli Scarlets vs Connacht

It’s a sort-of midtable battle in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday night, as Llanelli Scarlets take on Connacht.

The men from Galway have a four-point advantage over their hosts as they sit tenth in the URC table, three places above the Welsh outfit.

But the Carmarthenshire side have three games in hand on their opponents thanks to Welsh Covid-19 restrictions in recent months, as they eye a push into the top half towards the business end of the campaign.

Saturday 19 February, kick off 21:35 SAST.

Dragons vs Ulster

Ulster will fancy their chances of maintaining their narrow lead at the top of the United Rugby Championship table when they travel to play the Dragons on Sunday afternoon.

Seven wins from ten have just about given the Ulstermen the edge over Irish rivals Leinster and Scottish duo, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

And you’d think it’s there’s to lose at Rodney Parade, as they face a Welsh side with just one win from eight.

Sunday 20 February, kick off 16:00 SAST.