Former Ireland back Simon Zebo says while Leinster remain firm favourites to defend their URC crown once again, the South African teams will be in the mix.
Leinster have claimed the title in each of the past two seasons, beating the Bulls in successive finals, and will now target an unprecedented third straight triumph in Leo Cullen’s final campaign as head coach.
And Zebo, speaking at a URC round table, believes Leinster’s squad depth and recent success give them the edge once again.
“I would say that Leinster are still the team to beat,” said the former Munster and Racing 92 flyer.
While Zebo expects the South African sides to pose a significant challenge, he believes Leinster’s ability to handle the Bulls in the past two finals is a major factor heading into the new campaign.
“Yes, there’s a lot of quality in South Africa in particular. The size and tactics of their teams can be a bit of an achilles heel for the Irish sides at times,” he said.
“But given what Leinster have done to the Bulls in previous finals, their squad is so deep, they have so much quality. There’s a confidence there as well when you are champions. It’s tough to knock over the current champs.”
POLL: Who’s SA’s URC title hope?
Zebo expects the battle for the title to be fiercely contested but says Leinster deserve their status as the competition’s gold standard.
“With the South African sides, Glasgow and Munster, there are plenty of teams in the mix,” he added.
“But, as of now, Leinster are probably still favourites going in by the bookies. It’s hard to begrudge them that. I think they are still very much the team to beat.”
