We look at the 3 URC fixtures taking place on Friday and suggest a bet in each game.
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ZEBRE v SHARKS – Click here to bet
Zebre
Zebre lost all 3 of their first URC matches of the season. They started off with a 40-36 loss to Ulster at home, lost 34-31 to Ospreys in Wales, and 54-29 to the Bulls, also on home ground, last weekend.
The half time score for last week’s match was 21-15 to the Bulls. Zebre tried to come back but the Bulls were too strong. The game ended with Zebre conceding 3 tries within the last 10 minutes.
Sharks
The Sharks have also lost their first 3 URC fixtures of the season. They started off with a loss of 34-21 to Munster in Ireland. They then lost 34-13 to Leinster, also in Ireland, and they lost 19-5 to Ospreys last weekend.
The Sharks started off strong by scoring the first try of the match within the first 5 minutes against Ospreys but unfortunately, this was their only try of the match. Ospreys led 19-5 at half time and no points were scored by either team in the second half.
Head-to-head
These teams last met last September in Italy where the Sharks won 37-42. The Sharks led 28-10 at half time and although Zebre made a comeback, it was not enough to take the win.
Handicap: Zebre (+6.5)
Suggested Bet: Shark -6.5 at 10/11
The Sharks should be able to take control of this one and to pull clear in the 2nd half
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CARDIFF v BULLS – Click here to bet
Cardiff
Cardiff have lost 2 of their 3 matches of the season. They lost narrowly to Benetton (23-22) at home and then beat the Dragons 16-9 away.
Last weekend, they lost 31-25 to the Scarlets away. The teams were level 14-14 at half time but Cardiff faded down the stretch.
Bulls
The Bulls have won 2 of their first 3 matches. They smashed the Scarlets 63-21 at home in their first game and then lost to Ulster 26-19 in Ireland.
They beat Zebre 54-29 in Italy last weekend. The half time score was 21-15 to the Bulls and they scored 3 late tries for a comfortable win.
Head-to-head
These teams last met last December at Loftus Versfeld Stadium where the Bulls won 45-9. The Bulls led 17-9 at half time. All of Cardiff’s points were obtained from penalty kicks, and they could not put any points on the board in the second half of the game.
Of these teams 2 most recent head-to-head matches, the Bulls have won both.
Handicap: Cardiff (+7.5)
Suggested Bet: Bulls -7.5 at 9/10
This Bulls side have played better than their early results suggest and with a strong bench to come on I think they will pull away in the final 20 minutes.
ULSTER v MUNSTER – Click here to bet
Ulster
Ulster have won 2 of their 3 first matches of the season. They beat Zebre 40-36 in Italy, followed by the Bulls, 26-19 on home turf.
Last weekend, Ulster were narrowly defeated by Connacht 22-20 in Galway. Ulster led 13-3 at half time but Connacht came back to steal the win.
Munster
In their first 3 games of the season, Munster won 2 and drew 1. They beat the Sharks 34-21 at home and then drew 13-13 to Benneton in Italy.
They beat the Dragons with a convincing score of 45-14 at home last weekend. They led 17-7 at half time and increased their lead in the second half. The Dragons were only able to squeeze in another try in the final minute of the game.
Head-to-head
These teams last met in January in Ulster where Munster won 15-14. Ulster led 9-0 at half time (all points being penalty kicks) but Munster caught in the second half, winning the game in the final minute by scoring a converted try.
Of the team’s 3 most recent head-to-head matches, Ulster has won 2 of the 3.
Handicap: Ulster (-3.5)
Suggested Bet: Ulster -3.5 at 19/20
Munster are not quite at full strength and I think Ulster can capitalise.
All prices correct at time of writing but subject to change
