Round two of the URC to be battled out on backdrop of World Cup final

The second weekend of the United Rugby Championship (URC) is set to be battled out, under the radar once again, with most of the rugby world’s eyes focused on the blockbuster World Cup final between the Springboks and All Blacks.

Despite that teams will be hunting good results in the competition as they look to get their campaigns off to strong starts.

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For the South African teams the Bulls and Stormers will be aiming to build on perfect starts to the competition having picked up a full house of points on the opening weekend, while the Lions and Sharks will be looking to bounce back after opening defeats.

The Bulls made a big statement with a 63-21 hammering of Scarlets at Loftus and with them on the road now they will want to start off well, but face a tricky encounter against Irish giants Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on Sunday night (kick-off 7pm).

Ulster got their campaign off to a bumpy start with a tight 40-36 away win against Zebre and they will hope to put in a better showing being back at home, but face a fired up and confident Bulls outfit who will be targeting a good away win.

The Stormers

The Stormers held on for a 35-33 bonus point win over the Lions last weekend and have the perfect opportunity to get another full house of points when they host Scarlets at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday (kick-off 4pm).

The Welsh side will want to put in a better performance than against the Bulls, but should be no match for a powerful Stormers outfit that will want a big home win before they head on the road.

After their tight loss against the Stormers the Lions will be desperate for a win against Edinburgh at the Hive Stadium in Scotland on Saturday night (kick-off 6pm).

Edinburgh struggled to a 22-17 away win over Dragons last weekend and the Lions beat them in Scotland last year, so will know they have a chance, but if the hosts play at their best they have the players to win the game.

The Sharks face a second daunting match of their early season tour as they face Irish giants Leinster at the RDS Arena in Dublin on Saturday evening (kick-off 6:55pm).

Both teams lost their openers, Sharks going down 34-21 to defending champs Munster and Leinster losing 43-25 to Glasgow Warriors, so both teams will be desperate for a bounce back win.