We have another full house of Champions Cup group stages to look forward to and we take a close look at the 3 matches involving South African teams taking place on Saturday 14 December.
The Vodacom Bulls return to home soil and take on the Northampton Saints while the Sharks and Stormers travel abroad to take on Harlequins and the Leicester Tigers.
Outright Betting Update
Toulouse are the favourites to win the tournament at 2.85 ahead of Leinster at 3.20. The Bulls are 19.00, the Sharks 26.00 and the Stormers are 126.00.
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Vodacom Bulls v Northampton Saints – Click here to bet
The Bulls are returning home after a heavy defeat last weekend against Saracens. The match was played in difficult conditions but despite being in touch at half time the Bulls ended up losing the match 27-5.
The Saints opened their Champions Cup season with a solid win against Castres Olympique winning the match 38-8.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met in last year’s Champions Cup where the Northampton Saints won the match convincingly, with the score ending 59-22. That day the Bulls put out a B side who actually stayed in touch initially before the floodgates opened.
Betting and Verdict
The Bulls are favorites to win and are trading at 1.22 while the Northampton Saints are trading at 5.50, the draw is currently at 29.00.
I would not read anything into last years clash and the Bulls will be at full strength for this one. Northampton should make things tough for the hosts but heat and altitude can take their toll with the Bulls stretching clear.
Handicap: Bulls [-10.5]
BET: Handicap, Bulls [-10.5] at 1.90.
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Leicester Tigers v Sharks – Click here to bet
Leicester opened their Champions Cup season with a defeat away from home to Bordeaux, losing the match 42-28. They were big underdogs for the match and actually beat the handicap and would have been happy with the 4 try bonus point.
The Sharks hosted the Exeter Chiefs last weekend and delivered a solid performance winning 39-21 which was just enough to beat the handicap.
Head-to-Head
The two sides are yet to meet in any competition.
Betting and Verdict
Leicester are favorites to win the match and are trading at 1.22 while the Sharks are trading at 4.50 for the win. The draw is currently trading at 31.00.
Although Leicester are home favorites, the Sharks have had a much better run of form and will be going into this match with momentum. They tend to be inconsistent on their travels but I am backing them to challenge a struggling Leicester team.
Handicap: Sharks [+10.5]
BET: Handicap, Sharks [+10.5] at 1.90.
Harlequins v Stormers – Click here to bet
Harlequins opened their Champions Cup campaign with a 23-12 loss away to Racing 92 last weekend.
The Stormers hosted Toulon in their opening fixture and lost the match 14-24 and betting moves on this game in the week suggest they are going to be focusing on the URC going forward.
Both teams have now lost their last three matches in a row in all competitions and will be looking to bounce back.
Head-to-Head
The two sides last met a year ago in the Champions Cup where the Stormers hosted the Harlequins. The Stormers won that match 32-28.
Verdict
Harlequins are currently favorites to win and are trading at 1.05 while the Stormers are trading at 14.00 and the draw is at 56.00.
Although Harlequins should win the match they have lost three in a row in all competitions and I think the visitors can beat the handicap.
Handicap: Stormers [+19.5]
BET: Handicap, Stormers [+19.5] at 1.95
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
