Zebo says URC is going from strength to strength as he makes title prediction
Ireland great Simon Zebo says the standard of rugby in the URC has increased 10-fold as he makes his predictions for the coming campaign.
The multi-nation competition is now into its sixth season and the 35-cap Zebo believes it is going from strength to strength.
“How it’s evolved is how attractive it is to watch on the eye,” said the former Munster Rugby wing.
“I think the standard of the league across the board and the style we are being treated to, there’s a lot of quality on the pitch.
“That’s why there’s such a good connection with a lot of the supporters who are mad keen to go to the stadiums and watch live matches.
“It all boils down to the quality of the product. We are being treated to some amazing games, great cross culture matches.
"There are loads of different styles that we are able to watch on view instead of just one country specifically. You’ve got the South African style versus the Irish style, the Italians, Scots and Welsh.
“It’s a great crossover and the difference in styles naturally prepares you for international rugby.
“I think the difficulty in the league is that it’s so hard to win. That’s connected to the crossover in styles, the different cultures and different tests that come at you from week to week.
“It’s preparing for a Scottish team like Glasgow who can run at you from everywhere and then the following week playing the Bulls who are going to scrum you off the pitch to then maybe playing Munster or Leinster who can bring the aerial game into it.
“There are just so many different styles and lots of crossover and so many international players who are on display in the BKT URC now.
“They are nearly like smaller international matches with the quality of player on the field.
“The competition is continuing to grow. The standard of rugby we are being treated to has gone up ten fold. That’s why I think it’s continuing to drive engagement, get people talking and there is a lot of excitement around now for the new season.”
Zebo believes league champions Leinster Rugby remain the team to beat in the URC as the campaign gets underway this weekend.
Leinster have won the title for the past two years, beating the Vodacom Bulls in successive finals at the Aviva Stadium.
Now they will be looking to make it three in a row to mark Leo Cullen’s final campaign as head coach in style.
And former Munster and Racing 92 flyer Zebo feels they will be hard to stop as they continue to set the benchmark in the cross-border tournament.
“I would say that Leinster are still the team to beat,” said the Premier Sports pundit while speaking on a URC Round Table.
“Yes, there’s a lot of quality in South Africa in particular. The size and tactics of their teams can be a bit of an Achilles heel for the Irish sides at times.
“But given what Leinster have done to the Bulls in previous finals, their squad is so deep, they have so much quality.
“There’s a confidence there as well when you are champions. It’s tough to knock over the current champs.
“With the South African sides, Glasgow and Munster, there are plenty of teams in the mix.
“But, as of now, Leinster are probably still favourites going in by the bookies. It’s hard to begrudge them that.
“I think they are still very much the team to beat.”
Zebo feels that making a strong start to the URC campaign is a key factor in terms of mounting a title challenge.
“Finding a rhythm early on is probably the hardest part,” he said.
“Getting an early start breeds confidence for the rest of the season.
“Then other factors come into play about squad health, fatigue and all other things.
“But if you can get out early ahead of the pack, avoid that mosh pit and stay top three, top four, it just has a massive bearing on the rest of your season.
“You are not chasing points as heavily in the later rounds. The knock on effect is huge.
“You are far better off getting a good early start and getting that confidence in your game plan early doors.”
The 36-year-old Zebo will be covering the league campaign as a pundit having moved into the media since hanging up his boots in 2024.
“I love it. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with Premier Sports and get to stay up close with the action and remain in contact with the current players and past buddies that you played with.
“It’s nice to give insight and have a bit of fun at the same time. It comes back to the rugby we are being treated to. The product is so good at the moment.
“It’s always a joy. I wouldn’t call it work to be honest. It’s a privilege to be involved in the game still. It’s a nice transition out of playing the game.”
Zebo is part of the Premier Sports team bringing every game live from the United Rugby Championship throughout the season. Tune into all eight opening games this weekend visit www.premiersports.com
Zebo will be part of the Premier Sports team in Thomond Park on Saturday for Munster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors alongside Ross Harries, Ryan Wilson, Darren Cave, Ryle Nugent and Paul Marshall.
Fixtures
FRIDAY
Benetton v Dragons RFC @ Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA
Referee: Christopher Allison (SARU, 11th league game)
AR 1: Alex Frasson (FIR) AR 2: Dario Merli (FIR)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)
Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Connacht Rugby v DHL Stormers @ Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 63rd league game)
AR 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) AR 2: Tomas O’Sullivan (IRFU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Ulster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby @ Affidea Stadium, Belfast – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR, 22nd league game)
AR 1: Max Weston (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU)
TMO: Vincenzo Schipani (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
SATURDAY
10bet Lions v Leinster Rugby @ 10bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.30pm IRE & UK/1.30pm ITA & SA
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 21st league game)
AR 1: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Craig Evans (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ospreys @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – KO 3pm IRE & UK/4pm ITA & SA
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 49th league game)
AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)
TMO: Fillipo Russo (FIR)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Munster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors @ Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 5.30pm IRE & UK/6.30pm ITA & SA
Referee: Morné Ferreira (SARU, 24th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Padraic Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Zebre Parma v Vodacom Bulls @ Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 5.30pm IRE & UK/6.30pm ITA & SA
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 115th league game)
AR 1: Franco Rosella (FIR) AR 2: Alberto Favaro (FIR)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Scarlets v Cardiff Rugby @ Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 51st league game)
AR 1: Carwyn Sion (WRU) AR 2: Lloyd Edwards (WRU)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)
Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
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