We take a look at both URC matches taking place this Friday and suggest a bet in each game.
Let’s kick off with a brief update on the outright markets. Leinster maintains a strong position at 4/7 favourites, with noticeable support for the Blue Bulls, at 5/1. Despite topping the log, Munster is positioned at 11/2. The Stormers remain at 17/2, while the Lions offer odds of 66/1.
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LEINSTER v CONNACHT – Click here to bet
With one game remaining in the regular season before the knockout stages begin, Leinster’s progression to the next round is secure, guaranteeing a home game in the quarter-finals regardless of this Friday’s outcome. Currently sitting 3rd on the log with 60 points, Leinster returns to the URC after a disappointing 31-22 defeat to Toulouse in last weekend’s Champions Cup final. They hope to bounce back, knowing that a bonus point win could be crucial in securing a better log position, potentially aiding their quest for a home semi-final.
With just three victories on the road this season, all against bottom-half opposition, Connacht face a daunting task ahead. Currently occupying 10th spot on the log, ‘The Westerners’ need a bonus point win away to Leinster at the RDS Arena this Friday, with no guarantees that even this will be enough to secure a quarter-final spot. They enter round 18 off the back of a heartbreaking 16-12 defeat at home to the Stormers.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The last encounter between the two sides took place in round 7, where Leinster narrowly secured a 24-22 win away to Connacht.
HANDICAP: Leinster -16.5
VERDICT
Leinster enters Friday’s encounter as resounding favourites, with odds trading at 1.09, while Connacht is currently priced at 9.50. The current handicap is -16.5 with odds at 1.91. My preference here would be with the visitors to cover the + handicap given Leinster has opted to make a number of changes to his starting lineup.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, +16.5 at 9/10
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GLASGOW v ZEBRE – Click here to bet
Glasgow currently occupies 4th place on the table, separated only by points-difference from 3rd-placed Leinster. Having secured a home quarter-final, they will target maximum points in hopes of overtaking Leinster or even improving their placing to 2nd after this weekend’s final round stage. The Warriors have won 12 of their 17 matches this season, earning a total of 60 points. However, their most recent match ended in a heavy defeat away to the Emirates Lions, losing 44-21 in South Africa.
Zebre has endured a challenging campaign this season, managing just one victory and a draw. Occupying last place on the log, Zebre effectively have nothing to play for apart from potentially upsetting the establishment at the top of the table. Yet to obtain a single point on the road, they head to Scotstoun Stadium this Friday off the back of their tenth consecutive defeat in all competitions, an 18-32 loss at home to Scarlets in their most recent encounter.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The last meeting between these sides took place in the URC last year, with Glasgow emerging as convincing victors by securing a 40-9 win away from home.
HANDICAP: Glasgow -34.5
VERDICT
The visitors have a dismal record against Glasgow, conceding an average of 50 points per game in their last five meetings away to the Warriors. With nothing to play for and the hosts poised to return to winning ways convincingly given their incentive, the current handicap may not be set high enough.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Glasgow -34.5 at 9/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
