The Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 matches takes place this weekend and we have a look at the 3 games involving South African teams.
Let’s start with a look at the latest Outright Betting where Leinster, who will be hosting the final, are 21/20 to take the title with Toulouse 4/1, La Rochelle 9/2, you can get 9/1 Saracens and the shortest price South African side is the Sharks priced at 16/1.
Click here for the Champions Cup Outright Betting
SATURDAY
Sharks v Munster – Click here to bet
The Sharks have been frustrating to follow this season, mixing up the odd brilliant performance with a lot of average and poor ones. Last week there was a plenty of money for them to make short work of the Scarlets in the URC, but they ended up losing to a fired up home team. The Sharks won 3 of their 4 matches in the group stages including winning both home matches.
Munster had a mixed record on the road in the group stages beating the Saints 17-6 and pushing Toulouse hard before going down 20-16. They are well placed to go into the play-offs in the URC, but were disappointing at home last week going down 26-38 to the Glasgow Warriors.
Handicap: Sharks -5.5
I am expecting the Sharks to be much improved this week and start the game strong and will back them to lead by 1-7 points inclusive at the break.
Suggested Bet: First-Half Winning Margin, Sharks by 1-7 points inclusive at 18/10
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Stormers v Harlequins – Click here to bet
The Stormers won both of their home games in the group stages, beating London Irish and Clermont by 20 and 14 points respectively. They are travelling well in the URC where they sit 2nd behind runaway leaders, Leinster. Last week they drew 22-22 with a slightly diluted Leinster side. You can get 20/1 on the Stormers winning the Champions Cup.
The Harlequins lost both of their away games in the group stages going down 39-31 to the Sharks in Durban and then 30-29 to Racing. They are as big as 40/1 in the outright markets.
Handicap: Stormers -8.5
Harlequins are the sort of team who are going to look to turn it on in front of a big crowd and I think they are going to push the Stormers all the way here, although will go for the home team to get the win.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Stormers over 12.5 points at 13/10
SUNDAY
Toulouse v Blue Bulls – Click here to bet
Toulouse had a 100% record in the group stages and their home games saw them beat Sale 45-19 and then Munster 20-16 in a tense match. They are going strong in the Top 14 where they are on top of the log and they should have a passionate crowd behind them for this one.
The Bulls lost both of their away matches in the group stages with a virtual second string team going down 44-14 to Exeter and they also went down 31-7 at Lyon in their final match. The Bulls are involved in an URC play-off battle and they have turned in some poor performances of late, but were improved last week in going down 32-23 in Ulster. The Bulls are considered long shots in this Tournament and are priced at 80/1.
Handicap: Toulouse -17.5
There is plenty of pressure on this Bulls team to perform, but they should have had a good preparation having come to France early and I think they can do enough to beat the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Blue Bulls +17.5 at 17/20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
