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Rescheduled URC fixtures will clash with Six Nations weekends
By Sam Smith
The United Rugby Championship (URC) has confirmed rescheduled dates for two fixtures from the Christmas and New Year period that were scrapped - and they will clash with Six Nations weekends.
Ulster's URC clashes with Connacht and Leinster over Christmas were both bagged off after outbreaks in various camps over the period.
Both games will be played on Guinness Six Nations weekends, meaning both sides will be shorn of any possibility of internationals taking part. Both games will be hosted at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.
A statement from the organisation reads: "Ulster’s Round 8 fixture with Connacht and their Round 9 game against Leinster were both postponed due to Covid-19 issues and are now slated to take place in February and March.
"Ulster versus Connacht will be played on Friday, February 4 at 20:15 (UK/IRE) and will be broadcast live on BBC Northern Ireland, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport and URC.tv.
"Ulster versus Leinster will be played on Saturday, March 12 at 19:35 (UK/IRE) and will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport and URC.tv.
"Both games will be hosted at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast. The URC would like to thank all teams and broadcasters involved for their co-operation and support to reschedule these games during a busy period in the rugby calendar."
"Work is continuing to find appropriate dates for other league games that were postponed during December and January and the URC will confirm these publicly in due course."
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Latest Comments
Let’s blame a Chief instead ! 😀
Cane didn’t start in Yokohama but 5 Crusader forwards did and got their tails kicked by the John Mitchell coached England forwards. Well done Hansen!
Go to commentsI don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.
Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.
However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.
I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested
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