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Ex Ireland star Simon Zebo believes Leinster are the team to beat and will start the season as favorites for a hat-trick United Rugby Championship titles.
The Munster the legend believes that Leo Cullen, who is retiring at the end of the campaign, will be on top by bringing home an 11th URC title at the RDS Arena.
Zebo, 36, who won two URC crowns in 2011 and 2023, believes strength in depth will be key for Leinster, as will the confidence gained from back-to-back Grand Final wins over the Bulls.
“I would certainly (make Leinster favourite). There’s a lot of quality in South Africa, in particular, and the size and tactics of certain teams have been Ireland’s Achilles heel at times.
“But I think given what Leinster have done Bulls in the previous two finals, and their lineup is so deep. They have so many qualities. There is confidence even when you are champions.
“It’s always hard not to go for the current champions. So I think they’re still the team to beat, but the South African teams, Munster, Glasgow – there’s plenty of other teams in the mix. Leinster are still probably the favorites going in, so it’s hard not to begrudge that,” he said.
Zebo trusts his former side, Munster, to face Glasgow Warriors, Bulls, Ulster, Racing 92 and Leinster in the opening weeks of the campaign without the injured Jack Crowley, it will be difficult.
“It’s going to be tough. It’s not obviously sink or swim. It’s early in the season. You’d be looking for some good momentum. A huge part for me would be to keep players fit and keep as close to your top 15 as healthy as possible.”
“You’re going to have to be very careful in training with the amount of contact you’re doing, how you think about the guys in that period, because if they’re getting injured in these opening games and their teams are really being tested, it’s going to be a massive challenge.
“It’s not ideal when your number one fly-half, Ireland international fly-half, your key man, is out injured for such a long time. When you lack that connection with your outside backs, they’re probably going to use Craig Casey’s tactical acumen a bit more and make sure your forwards are on top of their game,” he said.
Simon Zebo is part of the Premier Sports team that broadcasts every game live from BKT United Rugby Championship throughout the season. Tune in to all eight opening games this weekend. Visit www.premiersports.com