After a two-week break for the Champions and Challenge Cup knockout stages, the URC returns this weekend for round 15 of the pool stages. We look at all four of the South African club’s matches from a betting angle and offer up suggested bets for consideration.
Leinster remain favorites to win the competition and are trading at 1.47 while the Bulls are trading at 6.50, defending champions and the Glasgow Warriors are trading at 8.00 for the win.
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FRIDAY
Edinburgh v Sharks – Click here to bet
Edinburgh have hit a solid run of form, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions with their only loss coming against Benetton away from home in March.
The Sharks are coming off back-to-back losses and have only won two of their last five matches. They have also only won three of their last ten matches away from home in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met each other four times in the last three years with the Sharks winning the last three matches. The two sides last met in last year’s Challenge Cup where the Sharks won the match 36-30 at home.
Betting and Verdict
The Sharks are favorites to win the match and are trading at 1.66 while Edinburgh are trading at 2.45. The draw is currently at 23.00.
Despite their Boks returning I find it surprising that the Sharks are favorites this week considering that Edinburgh have the better run of form and have been solid at home, and so for this reason I will be backing Edinburgh for the win this weekend.
Handicap: Edinburgh [+2.5]
BET: Edinburgh to win at 2.45
SATURDAY
Lions v Benetton – Click here to bet
The Lions are still looking for the form they started the season with. They are coming off four back-to-back losses in all competitions.
Benneton have won three of their last five matches in all competitions, however, they have lost all of their last four matches away from home.
Head-to-Head
Benneton have won the last two encounters between the two sides, with both matches being played in Italy. The two matches before that were won by the Lions. The last time the two sides met in Johannesburg, the Lions won that match 37-29.
Betting and Verdict
The Lions are favorites to win the match and are trading at 1.36 while Benetton are trading at 3.70 for the win. The draw is currently at 29.00.
I think the Lions will use this match as their bounce back and build momentum as the URC pool stages are coming to an end and I think they capitalize on home ground advantage to put in a big win.
Handicap: Lions [-7.5]
BET: Handicap, Lions [-7.5] at 1.91.
Stormers v Connacht – Click here to bet
The Stormers have won two of their last five matches in the URC with their most recent result being a 38-34 defeat to Ulster at the end of March.
Connacht are coming off the back of a 40-43 loss to Racing 92 last weekend in the Challenge Cup. They have also won two of their last five matches in all competitions.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met four times since 2022 with the Stormers winning all of the last three matches. The most recent match, which was played in Galway, was won 12-16 by the Stormers.
Betting and Verdict
The Stormers are favourites to win the match and are trading at 1.06 while Connacht are trading at 11.00 for the win. The draw is currently at 61.00.
Connacht often struggle when they come out to South Africa and they have ;eft some strong players at home. I see the Stormers being too strong for them. The Stormers have beaten Connacht by 18 points or more on both occasions they have played in Cape Town, lets make it 3 in a row.
Handicap: Stormers [-17.5]
BET: Handicap, Stormers [-17.5] at 1.85.
Munster v Vodacom Bulls – Click here to bet
Munster are coming off a disappointing defeat to Bordeaux last weekend in the Champions Cup after they pulled off a stunning victory the week before against La Rochelais.
The Bulls have won three of their last five matches and are also coming off the back of a defeat last weekend where they lost 34-28 to Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met three times since 2022 with the Bulls winning the first match and Munster winning the other two. The most recent encounter saw Munster beat the Bulls 22-27 in Pretoria.
Betting and Verdict
Munster are favourites to win the match and are trading at 1.50 while the Bulls are trading at 2.95 for the win. The draw is currently at 23.00.
Now that Munster are out of the Champions Cup, they can give their full attention towards the URC and field their strongest side for every match. They showed their strength in their last two matches against two very good French sides and for this reason I see them being too strong for the Bulls this weekend.
Handicap: Munster [-4.5]
BET: Handicap, Munster [-4.5] at 1.85.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
