United Rugby Championship Round 10 - teams and predictions

01/24/2025 12:52 PM

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY PREVIEW: The United Rugby Championship resumes following the final round of the EPCR - with the Lions kicking-off Saturday's action against the Bulls at Ellis Park to in what promises to be a spicy Trans-Jukskei derby.

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The hosts' slipped down the URC standings following consecutive defeats to Leinster, Munster and the Stormers and find themselves in 12th place on the overall standings after being in the top eight prior to those defeats.

The Lions haven't had the best run against their neighbours but the hosts are confident that they can impose their own way of playing and getting the result against the men from Pretoria.

"The disappointment was probably [coming down to] one decision, I'm talking about the game at Loftus [Versveld] in 2024." Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher said.

"Then the game at home [the following week], we didn't play to our potential and made a lot of individual errors.

"We allowed them back into the game and the disappointment was we didn't play our way.

"We couldn't execute our way of play, so hopefully this week there will be a lot of emphasis and focus on what we need to do as a team versus adapting all the time and making sure that we're not playing according the way the Bulls want us to play."

Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is relishing the Trans-Jukskei derby and is focussed on getting a positive result this weekend.

"I love playing local franchises, personally I love the physical challenge, I pride myself on matching that physicality, if not raising it," the No.9 said.

"You play against guys you played with at the Boks.

"The most important thing this weekend is representing the Lions and doing it well, to put the our DNA on Saturday's game and to hopefully walk away with a win," he added.

Lions defence coach Jacques Fourie says while appreciating the magnitude Saturday's crunch match, he has encouraged his side to not make it bigger than what it already is.

"We still want to focus on what we want to do, and it is important that we don't make it bigger than it is.

"It is already a massive occasion, the Bulls against the Lions is always a big occasion. So we don't want to blow it up too much."

The physicality of both sides remains a talking point whenever these two giants meet, and Fourie is under no illusions as to what the Lions will be up against.

"We know what to expect from them and what they will bring.

"They bring physicality with their pack of forwards and when they get go forward and get in behind you it becomes a tough day.

"So we know what we have to do to counter that," he concluded.

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Meanwhile Bulls Director of Rugby threw his backing behind flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain who comes in at No.10 for the injured Johan Goosen.

"He played really well [last weekend], he's obviously enjoying the fact that he's been backed as well.

"We've been working with him the whole season, so it's not like, even though he hasn't been in and around the team.

"He's been working behind the scenes with the other squad to make sure if anything happened with a No.10 he could slot in.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him play tomorrow [Saturday] when he knows he's now got a starting role."

The Bulls selected a strong bench which includes returning Springbok fullback Willie le Roux from injury.

"With four Springboks on the bench, it gives me confidence that we finish with those four guys on the field.

"Obviously with the others, it's four Springboks that come on, one area where we were poor last week was where the bench came on and we lost a bit of shape.

"We weren't accurate in all departments, line-outs, handling etc,

"The challenge I've given them this week is with a bench like that we've got to make sure if they go on is that we're a lot more accurate and organised than last week."

White also had heaps of praise for the Lions and is sure that their players who once played for the Bulls will come out firing against their former team.

"The one thing you'd learn from the Lions, it doesn't matter where they are on the table.

"They can go from 12th to eighth in three weeks, they've done that many times this season as well.

"I don't necessarily look at the fact where they are on the table as a weakness.

"It's just the way the draw has gone."

He added: "Historically it's a tough game for us, a lot of those guys live in Pretoria and were here [at the Bulls].

"They up their game because it's almost a way of showing they could've played for the Bulls rather than moving to the Lions.

"The boys that are playing for the Bulls need to appreciate the fact that they were chosen above those players that have left."

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The attention then shift to Wales where the Scarlets will take on Scottish rivals Edinburgh in a match which could define which side remains in the top-half of the URC table.

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The hosts are currently in sixth place on 23 points - with Edinburgh just a solitary point less and two places below them in eighth spot.

The visitors are currently suffering a couple of significant injuries such as Ben Muncaster (ankle), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Ross McCann (calf), Freddy Douglas (ankle), Mark Bennett (pectoral), Connor Boyle (knee) and Argentine international Emiliano Bofelli (back).

The will, however enter this clash riding high on confidence after going unbeaten during the pool stage of the Champions Cup and coming off a solid win against Black Lion.

The Scarlets have won four of their last six URC matches and their last five at Parc y Scarlets in all tournaments since their defeat to Connacht in Round Three in the URC.

Edinburgh haven't had an away win since their 24-7 victory over Cardiff at the Arms Park in April 2024.

The last three meetings between these two sides have all gone the way of the hosts, with Edinburgh's last win at Parc y Scarlets coming in February 2023.

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: "This is always a defining part of the season and the three teams we play next, Edinburgh, Munster and Ulster will all be affected by international rugby in the coming weeks.

"It is going to be a big period for us.

" Losing five backs to Wales as well as the injury to Sam is a challenge, but it is great to have someone of the experience and quality of Steff back following his injury lay-off and I'm excited to see how young Jac Davies goes on his first URC start."

Edinburgh Head Coach Sean Everitt said: "This is a really important match with such a tightly contested log.

"Every team in this competition is so competitive and we know that it's going to be a battle in Llanelli tomorrow afternoon.

"Scarlets are a team we have a huge amount of respect for and they've been really strong at home.

"However we're starting to build a bit of momentum with three wins on the bounce and we go into the match with plenty of confidence."

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In what could be the cross-hemisphere clash of the weekend, the unbeaten Leinster will welcome the underperforming Stormers to Lansdowne Road.

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The hosts have never beaten the Capetonians in three attempts, with the closest result being a 22-all draw at the RDS Arena back in 2023.

The Stormers' overseas record makes for bleak reading and have just one solitary victory on the road this season against Zebre in Round Three.

The visitors have won their last four fixtures against Irish outfits, with the three of those clashes taking place at the Cape Town Stadium.

Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani was upbeat about this side's training and the amount of time they had to rest and recover.

"It's [training] been a good, it helped that we got here [in Dublin] on Sunday," Hlungwani said.

"It gave us Sunday afternoon quite a bit of time to rest and we also had a good rest on Monday morning and started a bit late [with training].

"We had a good training day on Monday and today [Tuesday], and we're going to have another good one tomorrow [Wednesday]." he added.

The Stormers are currently in 10th position and one more loss could make it tough for the Capetonians to make the top eight.

Hlungwani made it clear that they would give it their all to get a positive result and snap Leinster's unbeaten streak.

"We're coming into this game and give [ourselves] the best opportunity to get what we want which is a win.

"We're going to give it our all, try as hard as we can and stay in the fight and hopefully we'll get the result we want.

"As much as we understand we're playing a tough team, we're not fearful of the mountain that await us.

"We're going to give our all to get what we really want out of this."

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson had loads of praise for Leinster but is confident that his side could pull the upset at Lansdowne Road.

"If you look at their team that's been released, it's good international front rows, you've got players who are world class like RG Snyman, [Jordie] Barrett and guys with a massive amount of Ireland experience.

He added: "If we want to be at the sharp end of the URC which is our plan for the season we have to be able to put on a proper winning performance tomorrow."

Dobson explained his six-two forward-heavy bench selection to @rugby365com and the thought process and reasoning that went into it.

"Our thing with the six-two [forward-heavy bench split], you never want to finish a game with 14 [players].

"You've got forwards in our case tomorrow [Saturday] Paul [de Villiers], Marcel [Theunissen] anfd Salmaan [Moerat].

"Let's say hypothetically you put Salmaan [Moerat] on at 15 minutes for one of the locks.

"That means you only got once loose forward on the bench he has to wait because you can't finish with 14 [players].

"You can't afford another forward injury.

"That gives us a bit more flexibility and that's where the general fatigue levels go up.

"Six-two [forwards heavy bench split] gives you that option to get a forward on earlier to make a difference.

"And where we are slightly covered is that a guy like Andre-Hugo Venter could do the job at loose forward, he's played the odd game there in the Currie Cup at No.6.

"We do have, and this is also where the key is, is to have one of those backs like a Paul de Wet who can cover wing, it makes a massive difference if you lose the early back.

"You've got a versatile back like Wandi [Wandisile Simelane] who can basically cover No.11 to No.15 that is useful.

"I like the six-two [bench split] because you can do substitutions in your forward pack a bit earlier and like I said we've got versatile backs.

"If you didn't have versatility in the backs then and that back goes down early what happened to us against the Lions when Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] went down in the first half.

"Then you're suddenly prepping for Marcel [Theunissen] on the wing and that could get a bit messy."

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The attention then shifts to the Arms Park where the third placed Cardiff will host the Sharks who are currently in sixth place on the URC table.

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There is a mere four points between the two sides and a win for the hosts will strengthen their position whereas a bonus point win and denying Cardiff any points will elevate them above the Welsh outfit.

Cardiff Head Coach Matt Sherratt said: "It's great to return to URC action and we are in a decent place in the table, following a good start to the season.

"However, we are under no illusions of how tough it is going to be on Saturday, against a strong Sharks team.

"We have done well against them in the past but this will be a level up and we have to put as much of our game on the pitch as possible.

"The depth of the squad is really being tested at the moment but we are on our pitch, in front of our home support and it is important that we finish this block well.

"A big performance will put us in a strong position for the remainder of the campaign and the squad are determined to repay our supporters for the way they have backed us all season."

With locks Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Gerbrandt Grobler and Eben Etzebeth all sidelined with injury, Sharks head coach John Plumtree selected usual loose forward Vincent Tshituka at No.4 as captain for this clash.

"Personally for him it's good to play lock and loose forward.

"He's a big man and very strong, the props have a lot of respect for him playing in that position in terms of what he can do at scrum-time.

"For him, being able to play both roles is good for him for higher honours.

"He's an explosive jumper and understands that role.

"Obviously he's a better No.7 than No.4, but with all our injures we need him there."

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Plumtree also highlighted the importance of the fixture against Cardiff as the Sharks look to strengthen their position on the URC table.

"It's really important, it's a game that we've got to get a win.

"We're floating around mid-table and want to keep pushing for the top of that pile."

The Sharks have selected two exciting prospects as their centre combination with Ethan Hooker and Junior Bok sensation Jurenzo Julius as the preferred pairing.

Plumtree explained his reasoning for the selection and the impact their replacements might have when they take the pitch.

"They're both outstanding young players and good boys.

"They're still in the early stage of their development.

"It will be nice to see them go together [as a centre combination].

"It is a spotlight on that combination for the Sharks potentially for years to come.

"It's a good time to put them in and to see what they can do.

"Having a guy like Swys [Francois] Venter and Lukhanyo [Am] on the bench gives us a little bit of security."

Saturday's action will conclude with the bottom of the table Dragons hosting Munster who had a tough start to their season, which included a big loss to Zebre, but managed to slowly turn their season around.

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The Dragons with a solitary win had some good showings this season but couldn't bank the result as in their Round Three clash against the Sharks where they let a 22-5 lead slip to concede a try in the 85th minute to lose 30-33.

The Welshmen will want to get it right and close out games they're in a position to win against a Munster side that has shown that they can peak at the right time of the season despite having a poor start, as the case was in their 2022/23 URC winning season.

Dragons RFC Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: "Munster have some new coaches in place, and I like the way they are playing.

"They are playing a bit more than they used to and are a real threat.

"Munster's set piece is traditionally always strong, they have some big weapons, really good players and are a quality team.

"It will be a challenge for us on home soil, but we have a team highly motivated to produce a positive performance back at Rodney Parade in front of our supporters."

Sunday, January 26

On Sunday Glasgow Warriors take on Connacht in a rescheduled Friday fixture due to unplayable weather conditions.

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The Warriors will want to keep in touch with the top placed Leinster and Cardiff hit on their heels.

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: "Connacht will pose a stern test this weekend, and have been performing very well in their European fixtures in the last couple of weeks, showing the quality they possess within their playing group.

"We have a great squad at Scotstoun, and Sunday presents an opportunity for some players that have earned their chance to perform at home.

"We're also pleased to welcome Ollie [Smith] back into our lineup after over 13 months - he has worked diligently with our medical and physio teams, and we know that he is ready to pull on a Glasgow shirt once more."

The concluding match of the weekend sees Ulster will hosting Zebre at Ravenhill Stadium in a match that could see them slip into the top eight depending on other results.

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The home side will look to claim back-to-back URC victories following their away win against Connacht in Round Nine.

Zebre will be looking to claim their third win of the season after claiming victories against Munster and the Ospreys, as well as pushing the Lions and Cardiff close.

The Italians showed vast improvement this season despite not always getting the result and will be a dangerous outfit if they click on the day.

Zebre Head Coach Massimo Brunello said: "We're playing in Belfast, one of the toughest venues in the URC, against a very solid team, especially in the forwards.

"They are the second-best team in the league for tries scored from driving mauls.

"We'll need to be disciplined and skilled at keeping them out of our 22.

"We're going through a challenging time in the season with many injuries and some players called up for the Six Nations, but we must stay united and determined to play a great match."

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Lions v Bulls

(Ellis Park, Johannesburg - Kick-off: 14.45; 12.45 GMT)

Prediction 

@rugby365com:Bulls by five points

Teams

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Franke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Manuel Rass.

Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrich Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Canan Moodie, 23 Willie le Roux.

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), JD Jadezweni (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Scarlets v Edinburgh

(Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli - Kick-off 15.00 GMT)

Prediction

@rugby365com:Edinburgh by two points

Teams

Scarlets: 15 Ioan Nicholas, 14 Jac Davies, 13 Macs Page, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Vaea Fifita, 7 Josh Macleod (captain), 6 Max Douglas, 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Alex Craig, 3 Archer Holz, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alec Hepburn.
Replacements: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Sam O'Connor, 18Gabe Hawley, 19 Jac Price, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Efan Jones, 22 Charlie Titcombe, 23 Jarrod Taylor

Edinburgh: 15 Wes Goosen, 14 Harry Paterson, 13 Matt Currie, 12 James Lang, 11 Lewis Wells, 10 Ben Healy, 9 Ali Price, 8 Tom Dodd, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Sam Skinner (captain), 4 Glen Young, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Paddy Harrison, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Harri Morris, 17 Robin Hislop, 18 Javan Sebastian, 19 Rob Carmichael, 20 Tom Currie, 21 Ben Vellacott, 22 Ross Thompson, 23 Mosese Tuipulotu.

Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales), Aaron Parry (Wales)
TMO: Colin Stanley (Ireland)

Leinster v Stormers

(Lansdowne Road Stadium, Dublin - Kick-off: 17.00, 19.00 SA time; 17.00 GMT)

Prediction 

@rugby365com: Leinster by 15 points

Teams

Leinster: 15 Henry McErlean, 14 Andrew Osborne, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 James Lowe, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Alex Soroka, 5 Brian Deeny, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Dan Sheehan (captain), 1 Jack Boyle.
Replacements: 16 John McKee, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Rory McGuire, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 James Culhane, 21 Will Connors, 22 Cormac Foley, 23 Charlie Tector

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Deon Fourie (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ali Vermaak.
Replacements: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Chris Busby (Ireland), Jonathan Erskine (Ireland)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)

Cardiff v Sharks

(Arms Park, Cardiff – Kick-off: 17.15; 19.15 SA time; 17.15 GMT)

Prediction

@rugby365com: Sharks by three points

Teams

Cardiff: 15 Cam Winnett, 14 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Rory Jennings, 11 Tom Bowen, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Alun Lawrence, 7 Thomas Young, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Seb Davies, 4 Josh McNally (captain), 3 Rhys Litterick, 2 Daf Hughes, 1 Rhys Barratt.
Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Danny Southworth, 18 Will Davies-King, 19 Rory Thornton, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Ethan Lloyd, 22 Jacob Beetham, 23 Regan Grace.

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Vincent Tshituka (captain), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18, Vincent Koch, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Lukhanyo Am.

Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Mike English (Wales), Gwyn Morris (Wales)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Dragons RFC v Munster

(Rodney Parade, Newport – Kick-off: 19.35; 19.35 GMT)

Prediction 

@rugby365com: Munster by 12 points

Teams

Dragons RFC: 15 Huw Anderson, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Aneurin Owen (captain), 12 Harri Ackerman, 11 Jared Rosser, 10 Lloyd Evans, 9 Morgan Lloyd, 8 Taine Basham, 7 Dan Lydiate, 6 Shane Lewis-Hughes, 5 Ryan Woodman, 4 Joe Davies, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Brodie Coghlan, 1 Rodrigo Martinez.
Replacements: 16 James Benjamin, 17 Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, 18 Paula Latu, 19 Barny Langton-Cryer, 20 George Young, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Will Reed, 23 Harry Wilson

Munster: 15 Ben O'Connor, 14 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Rory Scannell, 11Shane Daly, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Ethan Coughlan, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Jack O'Donoghue (captain), 5 Tom Ahern, 4 Fineen Wycherley, 3 Oli Jager, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Replacements: 16 Danny Sheahan, 17 Kieran Ryan, 18 John Ryan, 19 Evan O'Connell, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 Tony Butler, 23 John Hodnett.

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ben Connor (Wales), Matthew Leon (Wales)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Glasgow Warriors v Connacht - rescheduled

(Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow - Kick-off: 15.30 GMT)

Prediction

@rugby365com:Glasgow by seven points

Teams:

Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Sebastian Cancelliere, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Duncan Munn, 11 Facundo Cordero, 10 Duncan Weir (captain), 9 Ben Afshar, 8 Jack Mann, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Ally Miller, 5 Alex Samuel, 4 Euan Ferrie, 3 Fin Richardson, 2 Johnny Matthews, 1 Patrick Schickerling.
Replacements: 16 Grant Stewart, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Macenzzie Duncan, 20 Joe Roberts, 21 Angus Fraser, 22 Sean Kennedy, 23 Kerr Johnston

Connacht: 15 Santiago Cordero, 14 Chay Mullins, 13 Piers O'Conor, 12 David Hawkshaw, 11 Byron Ralston, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Sean Jansen, 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 6 Josh Murphy, 5 Joe Joyce (captain), 4 David O'Connor, 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Peter Dooley.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 17 Jordan Duggan, 18 Sam Illo, 19 Oisin Dowling, 20 Paul Boyle, 21 Matthew Devine, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Finn Treacy.

Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Ru Campbell (Scotland)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)

Ulster v Zebre

(Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast – Kick-off: 17.30; 18.30 Italian time)

Prediction

@rugby365com: Ulster by 15 points

Teams

Ulster: 15 Stewart Moore, 14 Michael Lowry, 13 Ben Carson, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Zac Ward, 10 Jack Murphy, 9 John Cooney, 8 David McCann, 7 Nick Timoney (captain), 6 Lorcan McLoughlin, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 4 Harry Sheridan, 3 Scott Wilson, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Eric O'Sullivan.
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Callum Reid, 18 Corrie Barrett, 19 Alan O'Connor, 20 Matty Rea, 21 Nathan Doak, 22 Jake Flannery, 23 Rob Lyttle

Zebre: 15 Giacomo Da Re, 14 Alessandro Gesi, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Damiano Mazza, 11 Scott Gregory, 10 Giovanni Montemauri, 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 8 Giovani Licata 7 Bautista Stavile, 6 Rusiate Nasove, 5 Leonard Krumov, 4 Matteo Canali, 3 Muhamed Hasa, 2 Luca Bigi (captain), 1 Paolo Buonfiglio.
Replacements: 16 Giovanni Quattrini, 17 Luca Franceschetto, 18 Juan Pitinari, 19 Giacomo Ferrari, 20 Luca Andreani, 21 Thomas Dominguez, 22 Luca Morisi, 23 Simone Brisighella.

Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistant referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Tomas O'Sullivan (Ireland)
TMO: Tom Spurrier (Wales)