Despite a major curve ball being thrown (more on that later), Round 6 of the 2022 United Rugby Championship is upon us.

Club rugby’s biggest rivalry resumes, as two Irish giants clash, while last year’s two finalists look to rebound from disappointing outings in Round 5.

As the November international series lurks around the corner, Round 7 and Round 8 could be make-or-break for several teams. No matter your allegiance, FloRugby has you covered with all URC fixtures available live.

So, kick back and let’s great right into the action! 

Game Of The Week

Munster travels up the M7 to take on log leader Leinster in yet another huge Irish derby. 

In a rivalry that runs deep amongst supporters of both sides, the current imbalance between the two teams has been a real point of contention in the Irish game. Simply put, Leinster is what Munster was in the mid-2000s – a European superpower with a golden generation of players who possess an unwavering desire to achieve greatness. 

One win in the previous nine fixtures simply isn’t good enough for Munster, which has started this season incredibly slowly. 

Last weekend was a step up for Graham Rowntree’s side, as they finally put in a performance with a convincing win over the Bulls. 

Leinster, on its home patch, will be a different kettle of fish for Peter O’Mahony and company to deal with. 

Jonathan Sexton returns for Leinster. The team looks to remain unbeaten and grab further bragging rights over their southern rivals. 

Despite the two sides having been on polar opposite trajectories for the past decade, this still is one of the biggest rivalries in World Rugby. 

In this setting anything is possible, but both sides are carrying a number of injuries coming into this clash, though that is not expected to dull the anticipation. 

For Leinster fans, another win would be par for the course. For Munster fans, a strong performance and a result would be a real indication that this team is on the right track. 

Munster’s new generation have started to show flashes. In particular, Jack Crowley, Thomas Ahern, Shane Daly and Edwin Edogbo, all of whom look set to be the next batch to drive this side forward. 

Unfortunately, Edogbo, a 19-year-old sensation, will miss the clash due to injury, but nevertheless, these are the players who will look to once again shift the balance of power south. 

While Munster strives for change, Leinster will look to remind them who is boss, as they continue to churn out truly world-class players at an astonishing rate. 

Picking what could well be an international test side for this clash, the Leinster club has proven that in its mind, the rivalry is alive and well. All in all, this will be a fascinating battle.

Two Fixtures Postponed 

What a weird world we currently find ourselves in… As the rugby world claws itself out of the hole left by the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of games being postponed was meant to be a thing of the past. 

Well, it would appear we need to think again, as two United Rugby Championship games will be postponed due to a “highly infectious gastric bug.”

Both of the affected games were due to take place in South Africa. First up, the Lions were set to host Glasgow, before the Sharks tackled Ulster in a top-of-the-table clash. 

Both Ulster and Glasgow have been dealing with the illness, and the games were called off due to neither side being in a position to field a full team. 

Despite this speed bump, things remain full steam ahead for the rest of the teams. 

As the November international series comes into focus, the next two rounds are incredibly important for all teams to head into the international break with some positivity.

Predictions

Benetton Vs Bulls

A repeat of the Rainbow Cup final, which the Italians won, despite being the heavy underdog.

Jake White’s Bulls have struggled on tour so far, with two heavy defeats. Benetton is coming off a good hiding at the hands of Edinburgh, so both sides need this one badly. 

The Bulls will continue to bash their way forward and will be just too physical for their hosts. Bulls by five points.

Connacht Vs Scarlets

Two one-win teams that have flattered to deceive so far this season. 

Connacht has looked better over the past two rounds, despite not scoring a point against Leinster in Round 5. Scarlets beat Zebre to pick up their sole win of the season in Round 5 but still don’t look like a well-rounded team. Connacht by three.

Zebre Vs Edinburgh

Edinburgh put it all together against Benetton last week and finally delivered a result to match their great play so far this season. 

The Scots will roll over an Italian side for the second successive week. Edinburgh by 20.

Leinster Vs Munster

Details of this fixture are touched on above. Leinster by four.

Cardiff Vs Stormers

The champions played out a draw in torrential rain against an Ospreys side they would beat nine times out of 10. 

Cardiff, on the other hand, proved why it is the top Welsh side so far season, as it saw off local rivals, the Dragons, with ease. 

On a fast track, both sides will throw caution to the wind in what should prove to be a high scoring affair. Stormers by five.

Dragons Vs Ospreys

This round’s Welsh derby pitches two sides that have one win each. 

As mentioned, the Ospreys played out a draw against the champions last weekend, while the Dragons weren’t at the races at all against Cardiff. 

The Dragons have more young talent, but the Ospreys are just a step ahead at this stage. Ospreys by 10.