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Pittsburgh Steelers beat Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Croke Park

Credit: @NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings  24-21 at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon in the first regular season NFL game played in Ireland.

Two touchdowns from the Steelers’ running back Kenneth Gainwell, and another from wide receiver DK Metcalf, helped their side to a victory to move their current season record to 3-1.

Despite late touchdowns for the Vikings’ Scott and Nailor, the Pittsburgh side held on for a win.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, the designated ‘home’ team for the opening game in Week 4 of the 2025 regular season, came into the game on the back of two wins and a loss, the same record as today’s rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.

First Quarter

When Jordan Mason’s fumble recovered by Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey, the latter raced 62 yards, for what he thought was his side’s first score of the fixture. The Replay Official reviewed the ball was inbounds, and the play was reversed.

Minutes later, Will Reichard gave the Vikings a 3-0 advantage with 6:24 to play in the opening quarter. His side opted to kick for a field goal from 41 yards, when quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked on the previous down.

The Pittsburgh outfit claimed their first score of this regular season fixture when Kenneth Gainwell ran in from one yard. With the extra point added, the ‘home’ side went into a 7-3 lead with 55 seconds on the clock at the end of the opening quarter.

Meltcalf receives 80-yard Rodgers pass

The Steelers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers found DK Metcalf with an 80-yard pass down the Croke Park touchline to claim his side’s second touchdown of the afternoon. With Chris Boswell successful with his second kick at the posts, the Steelers stretched their lead to 14-3 with 12:16 to play to the half.

Though it looked as though that score line would remain until the half-way period of the game, the Vikings’ Will Reichard narrowed his side’s deficit to 6-16 in the dying second of the second quarter. The Steelers’ Jalem Ramsey, who incurred a 5-yard penalty, made the task easier for the Vikings’ kicker.

As the sides left the field after the second quarter, the Pittsburgh Steelers held a 14-6 advantage over the Minnesota Vikings.

Second Touchdown for Gainwell

With 2:23 to play in the third quarter, Kenneth Gainwell ran in for his second six-pointer of the game. The score was the end result of an earlier T.J. Watt interception when he gained possession for his side.

The running back Gainwell had failed narrowly to made the end zone on his side’s previous down. From four yards out this time there wasn’t any stopping him as he achieved his brace of touchdowns. Boswell was accurate for the third time in the game as he kicked the extra point, pushing his side into a 21-6 lead.

Boswell also claimed the next score of the game. With 11:18 remaining in the game as the kicker added a field goal from 33 yards out – the successful end of a 4:17 drive.

Scott TD reduces the deficit 

A Carson Wentz pass to the deep right found Zavier Scott for a 16-yard touchdown just as the game seemed to be slipping away from the Vikings.

A two-point conversion was successfully completed from Wentz to Jalen Nailor, leaving 10 points between the sides entering the last eight minutes.

With Minnesota getting the next score, the result of the game was still uncertain as the clock approached two minutes.

A two-yard touchdown pass from Vikings’ quarterback Wentz to Nailor was followed by a successful kick by Reichardt leaving only a field goal between the teams; Steelers 24 Vikings 21.

There was late drama when the Steelers thought they had intercepted the Vikings’ ball. A review deemed it an incomplete pass, allowing Minnesota remain possession with less than one minute to play.

Despite their best efforts, the Vikings’ failed to reach the red zone, as the Pittsburgh Steelers held on for a 24-21 victory.

 

Croke Park hosts Vikings v Steelers at 2.30pm today

Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings play in the first NFL regular season game held in Ireland. Credit: NFL UK & IRE.

Croke Park hosts the first regular season NFL game in Ireland this afternoon as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Viking meet at the Jones’ Road venue.

The game, which begins at 2.30pm, is the first of the European NFL games this season, with clashes to follow in London, Berlin and Madrid in the coming weeks.

Both sides come to Dublin with two wins and a loss in their three games so far this season.

Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steels opened their season with a narrow 34-32 victory against the Jets. They lost their game against the Seattle Seahawks on a score line of 31-17. Last weekend, they got back on the winning trail with success against the Patriots.

In Week 3, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most regular-season touchdown passes in NFL history. He also passed Philip Rivers (63,440 passing yards) for the sixth-most regular-season passing yards all-time.

Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings opened their campaign with a three-point win over the Chicago Bears, before losing to the Atlanta Falcons in week two.

They were easy 48-10 winners over the Bengals in their most recent game, and come into this afternoon’s clash in good form.

Last week, Minnesota cornerback Isaiah Rodgers recorded two forced fumbles, an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 66-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over Cincinnati. He became the first player in NFL history with an interception return touchdown of 85-or-more yards and a fumble return touchdown of 65-or-more yards in the same game.

Live on Virgin Media

Croke Park previously hosted an American Football game when the Steelers and the Chicago Bears played a pre-season game at GAA HQ in 1997. The Pittsburgh outfit won 30-17 on that occasion.

The game is live on Virgin Media 1 television this afternoon. The channel will also broadcast the other European NFL games this season.

NFL Week 4 Previews, Key Games & Stats

Credit: NFL UK & IRE.

Six teams – Buffalo, Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Tampa Bay – have begun the season with three consecutive wins.

New Orleans (0-3) at Buffalo (3-0)

Buffalo can begin 4-0 for the fifth time since 1990 and the first since 2020. The Bills, since Week 11 of the 2023 season, have won 13 consecutive regular season home games and have scored at least 24 points in each game.

Last week, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen recorded his 86th career win (including the postseason) since entering the NFL in 2018 and surpassed Joe Flacco (85 wins) for the fifth most wins by a quarterback in his first eight seasons, including the playoffs, in NFL history.

L.A. Chargers (3-0) at N.Y. Giants (0-3)

The Chargers can win each of their first four games of a season for the sixth time in franchise history and the first since 2002. Los Angeles, with divisional wins over Kansas City (Week 1), Las Vegas (Week 2) and Denver (Week 3), became the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.

Philadelphia (3-0) at Tampa Bay (3-0)

Philadelphia can start 4-0 for the third time in the past four seasons (2022-23) while Tampa Bay can begin 4-0 for the fourth time in franchise history and the first since 2005. Since 2015, the reigning Super Bowl champion has begun the following season with four consecutive wins five times.

Indianapolis (3-0) at L.A Rams (2-1)

Indianapolis can begin 4-0 for the first time since 2009. In five of the past 10 seasons (2015-24), a team has begun 4-0 the season after missing the playoffs.  The Colts have punted once this season, the fewest punts by a team in its first three games of a season since at least 1940. Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor leads the league with 338 rushing yards and 431 scrimmage yards entering Week 4.

Jacksonville (2-1) at San Francisco (3-0)

San Francisco can start 4-0 for the third time (2019 and 2023) since head coach Kyle Shanahan was hired in 2017. San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey recorded his 12th career game with 10 receptions last week, most by a running back in NFL history.

McCaffrey has 33 career games with at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, the second-most by a running back all-time, including in each of the first three weeks this season.

Jacksonville leads the NFL with seven interceptions and nine takeaways through the first three weeks, including multiple interceptions in each game. Since 2000, only five previous teams have recorded two-or-more interceptions in each of their first four games of a season: 2021 Dallas Cowboys (first five games), 2018 Miami Dolphins (first four), 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first four), 2007 Oakland Raiders (first four) and 2003 Kansas City Chiefs (first four).

Baltimore Ravens (1-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

These sides meet for the seventh time in the past eight seasons, including playoffs.

Five of the previous six meetings have all been decided by seven-or-fewer points. Since 2018, when both Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took over as their teams’ starting quarterback, Kansas City and Baltimore rank first and second in the NFL in points per game and total yards of offense per game, respectively.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Green Bay defensive lineman Micah Parsons is set to play his first game in Dallas being acquired by the Packers from the Cowboys in August. During his four seasons with Dallas (2021-24), Parsons ranked fifth in the NFL in sacks (52.5) and tackles for loss (64) and became the second player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four career seasons, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White.

Dorset Wins Goffs Million at The Curragh

Dorset won the Goffs Million at The Curragh for Aidan O'Brien and Jack Cleary. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Dorset (17/2) won the Goffs Million at The Curragh this afternoon to give jockey Jack Cleary the biggest win of his career so far.

Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, the Coolmore partners-owned son of the recently deceased Wootton Bassett, was a length and a quarter winner over August George (28/1).

The cross-channel prepared runner-up, a gelded son of Night Of Thunder, is trained by Ivan Furtado and ridden by Steven Donohoe.

The second O’Brien-handled runner in the €1,000,000 contest over seven furlongs, Composing (5/6), the race favourite, was a half length further behind in third, in the hands of Ronan Whelan.

Hawk Mountain (5/4 favourite) had earlier won the Group 2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Beresford Stakes for O’Brien, the Coolmore partners, and Ronan Whelan.

The two-year-old colt, a son of Wootton Bassett, had three and a quarter lengths in hand on Geryon (9/4) in the one-mile race.

The latter, trained by Ger Lyons for Newtown Anner Stud, was piloted by Colin Keane, while Al Haarith (5/1) was a head further back for Joseph O’Brien and stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Only FOUR retain starting positions – Lancaster Shakes Up Connacht XV for URC Opener!

Connacht v Benetton Preview: Lancaster Era Begins with Bold Selection as URC 2025/26 Kicks Off

Dexcom Stadium, Galway – Saturday 19:45 (IRE & UK) | 20:45 (ITA & SA)
Referee: Chris Allison (SARU, 4th league game)
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, FloRugby & URC.tv

Connacht Rugby kick off the Stuart Lancaster era on Saturday night in Galway with a blockbuster BKT URC clash against Benetton Rugby, and all eyes will be on how the new head coach stamps his authority on the province.

Astonishingly, only four players from Connacht’s XV in their final game of last season against Zebre retain their starting place – Josh Murphy, Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle and Shayne Bolton.

Outside Shayne Bolton and Caolin Blade it seems the Irish players that toured Portugal and Georgia along with the three Lions are purposely not included. Underlining just how much Lancaster is willing to back fresh combinations and new talent from the outset, it’s a brave decision.

Betting & Market Moves

Bookmakers initially priced Connacht as -7.5 favourites, but after Benetton named a near full-strength side the line was slashed to -4.5. The market has since stabilised with Connacht now -6 heading into kick-off, a reflection of home advantage and Lancaster’s strong pre-season showing.

Team News – Connacht

  • Sean Naughton makes his BKT URC debut at full-back.
  • Paul Boyle captains the side from blindside flanker, earning his 117th cap.
  • Fiachna Barrett is named among the replacements and could also make his debut.

The starting pack features a powerful back row of Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen, with Niall Murray and Josh Murphy in the second row. The front row is made up of Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, and Sam Illo.

Behind the scrum, Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane form an exciting half-back partnership, Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston combine in midfield, while Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins join Naughton in an athletic back three.

Team News – Benetton

Benetton travel with a formidable squad featuring Italian internationals Michele Lamaro, Tommaso Menoncello, and Malakai Fekitoa. Ivan Nemer celebrates his 50th cap while Louis Werchon and So’otala Fa’aso’o make their debuts. Jacob Umaga pulls the strings at fly-half, with Onisi Ratave and Louis Lynagh providing firepower out wide.

What They Said

“It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us. We had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running. Benetton are a strong side full of internationals, and every point is vital. I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener.”

 

“We have a lot of respect for Connacht, we know they’re a tough team to face at home. The important thing will be to apply constant pressure and play with intensity from the start.”
— Calum MacRae, Benetton Head Coach

Previous Meeting

These two sides produced a thriller the last time they met in March, with a weakened Connacht team edging it 38–30. Watch the highlights below:

Key Battle Areas

  • Lineout Superiority: Connacht had a league-best 91.4% lineout success rate last season and will aim to dominate set-piece ball.
  • Scrum Stability: Improving on last year’s 83.3% success rate is crucial against Benetton’s heavyweight front row.
  • Red Zone Conversion: Connacht’s 2.55 points per 22 entry (lowest in the URC) must improve to turn pressure into points.

Prediction

This has the makings of a tight, physical contest. If Connacht’s lineout dominance holds and they convert chances more efficiently, Lancaster could mark his first URC game with a win.

Verdict: Connacht by 4–6 points.

Starting teams

Connacht: Sean Naughton, Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle (CAPT), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Joe Joyce, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Cian Prendergast

Benetton: Matt Gallagher, Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Jacob Umaga, Louis Werchon; Ivan Nemer, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Niccolò Cannone, Eli Snyman, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (CAPT), So’otala Fa’aso’o

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Mirco Spagnolo, Tiziano Pasquali, Riccardo Favretto, Lorenzo Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi, Giuliano Avaca, Paolo Odogwu

Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys have players’ names in Irish

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during practice at the Carton House preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

🏈 History Made: NFL Regular Season Comes to Croke Park This Sunday

The NFL is set to make history this Sunday as Croke Park hosts its first-ever regular season game, with the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the Minnesota Vikings. This landmark clash marks the start of an exciting new era, bringing American football to Ireland on the biggest stage possible.

In a unique collaboration, Munster GAA and the Pittsburgh Steelers have created exclusive jerseys with players’ names in Irish to celebrate the occasion. Aaron Mac Ruairí will lead the Steelers as quarterback, joined by stars such as linebacker TJ Mac Uait and placekicker Chris Mac an Bhoscaire. Fans will see the team don the special jerseys during their practice session ahead of the big game.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the Carton House preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

 

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the Carton House preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

The GAA has always been proud to promote the Irish language, and this initiative highlights its cultural significance while showcasing Irish heritage to a global audience.

The NFL has also confirmed that Irish singer Lyra will perform the national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, before kickoff, making Irish culture a central part of the gameday experience.

“The NFL is synonymous with world-class sport and entertainment, and there’s no better stage in Ireland than Croke Park,” said Henry Hodgson, NFL U.K. & Ireland General Manager. “We’re excited to make Irish talent and traditions central to an unforgettable gameday experience for fans in the stadium and watching around the world.”

“Bringing the very first NFL regular season game to Ireland is a huge moment for the league, and there’s no better setting than the legendary Croke Park,” added Tim Tubito, Senior Director of Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL.

This Sunday’s clash promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture. Beidh lá den scoth againn!

Ryder Cup 2025 Alcohol Prices Revealed


Ryder Cup 2025 Alcohol Prices Revealed – $15 Beer & $19 Cocktails

Ryder Cup 2025 Alcohol Prices Spark Conversation Among Fans

The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s greatest spectacles – but this year, the cost of a drink at the event is generating almost as much chatter as the play on the course. Fans attending the 2025 Ryder Cup have been quick to notice the eye-watering alcohol prices posted at concession stands, with beer, wine, and cocktails coming at a premium.

Ryder Cup Beer Prices

A standard Michelob Ultra (16oz) will set you back $15, with the larger 25oz version priced at $18. For those preferring Bud Light, the 16oz pour also comes in at $15. Premium beers are slightly higher, costing $16 for 16oz and $19 for 19.2oz. Even alcohol-free options are far from cheap, with Michelob Ultra Zero (12oz) priced at $12.

Wine, Seltzers, and Canned Cocktails

Fans looking for wine can opt for a William Hill Chardonnay at $14, while those who prefer a sparkling option will have to pay $22 for a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut. Seltzers, including Bud Light Seltzer and High Noon Tequila Seltzer, cost $16, with Cutwater canned cocktails slightly higher at $17.50.

Specialty Cocktails – The Most Expensive Choice

The real price shock comes with the specialty cocktails. Drinks like the All-American Transfusion (Tito’s Vodka, grape, ginger lime) and the Mulligan (Elijah Craig bourbon, black tea) are priced at $19.50 each. Other popular picks like the Dark ’n Stormy and Cherry Fairway Fizz cost $17.50 – and for those who want to take home a keepsake, there’s the option to upgrade to a souvenir cocktail glass for an extra $7.

Fan Reactions

Many fans have taken to social media to express their surprise at the steep prices, with some suggesting that the cost of a couple of drinks could rival a ticket to a practice day. However, organisers argue that the premium pricing reflects the world-class experience of the Ryder Cup and helps manage crowd flow at busy concessions.

Final Word

Whether you see these prices as a fair trade for one of the world’s biggest sporting events or as an unnecessary hit to the wallet, one thing is certain – fans will still raise a glass when their team sinks the winning putt.

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Connacht Rugby Tipped to Make Big Waves Under Lancaster – Despite Weaker Squad

Connacht Tipped to Make Big Waves Under Lancaster – Despite Weaker Squad

Connacht Rugby have been tipped to make a major impact in the BKT URC this season under new boss Stuart Lancaster – and if they do, it will be proof of just how transformative a top-class coach can be, given that their squad is arguably weaker than in 2024/25.

Former England coach Lancaster takes charge of the Galway province following a highly successful spell with Leinster Rugby and a short stint with Racing 92 that ended when he was sacked. His appointment is still seen as a major coup for Connacht, who are aiming to take the next step after a mixed 2024/25 campaign.

He will guide Connacht into their league opener on Saturday night, when they welcome Benetton Rugby to the Dexcom Stadium, which is currently being redeveloped to hold 12,000 fans by January.

Former Ulster and Ireland centre Darren Cave believes Lancaster’s arrival could be the spark Connacht need to overachieve.

“Stuart Lancaster is going to blow that place out of the water,” said Cave during a BKT URC media round table.

“When you look through that squad, they have got a number of quality players. I don’t think they are going to win the BKT URC, but they are 100 per cent a team to watch. They are going to cause problems this year, I feel super strongly about that.

Off the pitch, they got their stadium rights last year, they have a new stadium in construction, a new training facility, and new corporate hospitality. It feels like Connacht are ready to go to the next level.”

Cave’s comments are particularly striking given that Connacht have lost key players over the summer. If Lancaster guides them to a better finish than last year, it will underline how much difference a top coach and fresh systems can make, even with a thinner squad.

Former Springboks hooker Schalk Brits echoed Cave’s optimism:

“They have got a great coach and they are not going to lose so many players during the international windows, so they are going to build a great squad. Other teams do lose a lot of internationals during those windows and have to rotate.”

As for title contenders, Brits is backing the Vodacom Bulls.

“The Vodacom Bulls have been in three finals and lost all three. Hopefully, they will bring it home this time with a new coach in Johan Ackermann, who is unbelievable in how he brings a group together.”

Former Glasgow and Scotland star Ryan Wilson agreed, saying it would be “awesome” to see the Bulls win and create five different URC champions in five years.

Meanwhile, Darren Cave believes Leinster will retain their crown:

“Across the season, I just don’t see Leinster losing enough games to not carry home advantage into the Play-Offs. They are totally beatable, but I would always make them favourites at home.”

As for Player of the Season predictions, Cave singled out Leinster’s Springbok lock:

“I think RG Snyman is going to be in that conversation. He just adds so much value, and I think that will continue to happen.”

@SimonRug 

Ulster v Dragons URC Preview, Teams & Betting Odds

🏟️ Ulster v Dragons Line-Ups Named – Hume’s 100th Cap Headlines Friday Night Belfast Showdown

Affidea Stadium, Belfast – Friday 26 September, 20:05 (IRE/UK)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Betting: Ulster -16.0 | Total Points ~46.5

⚪ Ulster Starting XV

15. Michael Lowry 14. Zac Ward 13. James Hume 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Jack Murphy 9. Nathan Doak
1. Callum Reid 2. Rob Herring 3. Tom O’Toole 4. Iain Henderson (C) 5. Harry Sheridan 6. Cormac Izuchukwu 7. Nick Timoney 8. David McCann

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Juarno Augustus, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Ben Carson

🐉 Dragons RFC Starting XV

15. Angus O’Brien (CC) 14. Rio Dyer 13. Joe Westwood 12. Aneurin Owen 11. Jared Rosser
10. Tinus de Beer 9. Rhodri Williams
1. Wyn Jones 2. Elliot Dee 3. Rob Hunt 4. Matthew Screech 5. Ben Carter (CC) 6. Shane Lewis-Hughes 7. Harrison Keddie 8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Levi Douglas, Mackenzie Martin, Che Hope, Fine Inisi, Huw Anderson

🗣️ Quotes

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy: “The team are hungry and very focused. There is a good plan in place and we want to give our supporters something to cheer about on Friday night at Affidea Stadium.”

Dragons Head Coach Filo Tiatia: “We’re looking forward to going to Ulster, they’re a good side and they’ll be tough over there. They have a heavy pack and plenty of experience in midfield, but our players are excited for the challenge and ready to see where we are at.”

📉 Betting & Market Moves

The handicap opened -16.5 but has eased slightly to -16.0, with some support for Dragons to cover. Total points market is steady near 46–47, suggesting bookmakers expect a lively contest but not a blowout.

🔑 Key Talking Points

  • James Hume celebrates his 100th Ulster appearance, adding emotional motivation.
  • Dragons hand debuts to Wyn Jones, Rob Hunt and Tinus de Beer.
  • Ulster’s home record and strong pack give them a clear edge.

📝 Prediction

Ulster’s dominance at the breakdown and set piece should prove decisive, though Dragons may stay in touch early with Wainwright leading from the back row.

Verdict: Ulster by 10 points.

Stormers v Leinster Starting XVs Revealed – Friday Night URC Blockbuster Live on TG4

🔥 Stormers v Leinster Starting XVs Revealed – Friday Night URC Blockbuster Live on TG4

DHL Stadium, Cape Town – Friday 26 September, 18:00 (IRE/UK)
Live on: SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Betting: Leinster -8.0 | Total Points ~46.5

🏉 DHL Stormers Starting XV

15. Wandisile Simelane 14. Seabelo Senatla 13. Ruhan Nel (C) 12. Dan du Plessis 11. Leolin Zas
10. Jurie Matthee 9. Stefan Ungerer
1. Vernon Matongo 2. André-Hugo Venter 3. Neethling Fouché 4. Adré Smith 5. JD Schickerling 6. Paul de Villiers 7. Ben-Jason Dixon 8. Evan Roos

Replacements: JJ Kotze, Oli Reid, Zachary Porthen, Ruben van Heerden, Ruan Ackermann, Marcel Theunissen, Dewaldt Duvenage, Clinton Swart

🔵 Leinster Starting XV

15. Jimmy O’Brien 14. Tommy O’Brien 13. Robbie Henshaw 12. Ciarán Frawley 11. Jordan Larmour
10. Sam Prendergast 9. Luke McGrath (C)
1. Jack Boyle 2. Gus McCarthy 3. Rabah Slimani 4. Diarmuid Mangan 5. Brian Deeny 6. Ryan Baird 7. Scott Penny 8. James Culhane

Replacements: John McKee, Paddy McCarthy, Andrew Sparrow, Max Deegan, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Harry Byrne, Hugh Cooney

🗣️ Quotes

John Dobson (Stormers Director of Rugby): “There has been a lot of hard work put in from players and management to get to this point and we are all very excited to get going. Playing the defending champions at home means that we will have to be on our game to get the result we want and we know we will have our fans right behind us as always. With Salmaan Moerat and Deon Fourie sidelined, Ruhan was the natural choice to take over as captain and we know the team will be in good hands on the field.”

Jacques Nienaber (Leinster Senior Coach): “We have a tough start. We play the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls, then the Hollywoodbets Sharks — three teams who normally challenge at the back end of the competition. We will have a very good idea where we are after these three games, and then it’s Munster at Croke Park. Our first month is a blockbuster month, which is great.”

📉 Betting & Market Moves

The handicap has moved slightly from -7.5 to -8.0, showing steady confidence in Leinster. The points total has dipped a little, hinting at a tighter, more physical clash in Cape Town.

🔑 Key Talking Points

  • Ruhan Nel captains the Stormers for the first time.
  • Sam Prendergast gets a huge opportunity at fly-half for Leinster.
  • Both teams missing Springboks and Ireland internationals but still field strong XVs.

📝 Prediction

Expect a bruising opening half with Leinster’s depth and bench likely to edge the contest late.

Verdict: Leinster by 10 points.

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