United Rugby Championship Predictions

The South African sides face a challenging start to 2023 as they come up against tough opposition and wet European conditions in Round 12 of the United Rugby Championship this weekend. The Bulls take on the Dragons in Newport on Friday night, the Lions play Munster in Limerick on Saturday and the Sharks take against Connacht in Galway on Sunday.

The Bulls are coming off back-to-back losses. The Dragons lost 33-17 to a Scarlets side who played with 14 men for 47 minutes last weekend. They are winless in their last six games in all competitions and languish in 14th position.

Lions have a poor record against South African sides. They are running into Munster at the worst possible time. Munsters are hitting their straps and won't underestimate the Lions.

Ulster's last-minute loss to Munster was the worst possible result for Benetton. Benettons only previous defeats were against unbeaten Leinster.

Edinburgh lost the 1872 Cup and lead in the Scottish/Italian Shield to Glasgow. They will start to claw their way back with a bonus-point victory over Zebre.

Sharks and Connacht play each other on Saturday, 7 January at 19:15. Sharks won their festive season derbies. Connachts lost both of theirs.

Scarlets beat Dragons 33-17 thanks to Sione Kalamafoni's red card. Cardiff lost their derby against the Ospreys.

Ospreys beat Cardiff 22-19. Leinster will be the better team on Saturday.

Glasgow beat Edinburgh 32-25 last weekend to reclaim the 1872 Cup. The Stormers beat the Lions 40-8. Franco Smith's team are on a five-match winning streak. Cape Town is without Frans Malherbe, Evan Roos, Herschel Jantjies, Ruhan Nel, Gary Porter, Nama Xaba, Salmaan Moerat, Adre Smith and Seabelo Senatla.