Following a break for the Champions Cup semi-finals, the URC resumes with Round 17 as teams vie for playoff spots. This preview focuses on the four South African teams’ matches this weekend, offering a betting perspective and recommended wagers.
Leinster lead the title odds at 1.45, followed by the Bulls at 5.50. Defending champions Glasgow Warriors are at 10.00, while the Sharks sit at 11.00.
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FRIDAY
Sharks v Ospreys – Click here to bet
Match Overview
The Sharks return to Durban after securing two impressive away victories, defeating Edinburgh 18-17 and Ulster 22-19.
The Ospreys come off a dominant 57-24 home win against Welsh rivals Dragons but have only won two of their last five matches.
Head-to-Head
In their most recent meeting, the Ospreys won 19-5 at home. However, the Sharks prevailed in their last Durban encounter, winning 25-10.
Betting Odds & Verdict
- Sharks to win: 1.11
- Ospreys to win: 8.50
- Draw: 46.00
- Handicap: Sharks [-16.5] at 1.90
The Sharks strong form, highlighted by consecutive away wins, has me thinking they can overpower the Ospreys at home, cementing their place in the top 4.
Recommended Bet
- Handicap: Sharks [-16.5] at 1.90
SATURDAY
Bulls v Cardiff – Click here to bet
Match Overview
The Bulls return to Loftus Versfeld after four away matches, winning three, including a 26-19 victory over Glasgow two weeks ago.
Cardiff arrive with momentum, securing back-to-back wins, notably a 26-21 upset against Munster following a victory over the Ospreys.
Head-to-Head
The Bulls have won all three previous encounters, including an 18-12 win in Cardiff and a dominant 45-9 triumph in Pretoria.
Betting Odds & Verdict
- Bulls to win: 1.06
- Cardiff to win: 13.00
- Draw: 56.00
- Handicap: Bulls [-18.5] at 1.85
The Bulls are formidable at home, often posting big scores in front of their fans. I expect them to overpower Cardiff with a commanding performance.
Recommended Bet
- Handicap: Bulls [-18.5] at 1.85
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Stormers v Dragons – Click here to bet
Match Overview
The Stormers are in fine form, winning four of their last five matches, including a 56-5 rout of Benetton at home two weeks ago.
The Dragons, conversely, are struggling, having lost all eleven of their recent matches across competitions, most recently falling 57-24 to the Ospreys.
Head-to-Head
The Stormers have won all three prior meetings, including a 44-21 victory on the Dragons’ home turf in their last encounter.
Betting Odds & Verdict
- Stormers to win: 1.01
- Dragons to win: 34.00
- Draw: 101.00
- Handicap: Stormers [-31.5] at 1.95
The Stormers recent 51-point demolition of Benetton signals their return to form. Facing a poor and potentially demotivated Dragons side at home, they’re likely to secure another substantial victory.
Recommended Bet
- Alternate Handicap: Stormers [-45.5] at 3.50
SUNDAY
Lions v Scarlets– Click here to bet
Match Overview
The Lions snapped a five-match losing streak with a 26-7 home win over Connacht two weeks ago.
The Scarlets, riding high after a stunning 35-22 home victory over Leinster, have won three of their last four matches.
Head-to-Head
The teams have met three times since 2021, with the Lions winning the two most recent games, including a narrow 24-23 victory in Wales, while the Scarlets won the earlier encounters.
Betting Odds & Verdict
- Lions to win: 1.40
- Scarlets to win: 3.40
- Draw: 23.00
- Handicap: Scarlets [+6.5] at 1.85
The Scarlets’ impressive win over Leinster (albeit 2nd string) shows their potential to compete and potentially play in the quarter-finals. If they replicate that performance in Johannesburg, they could challenge the Lions and keep the game close.
Recommended Bet
- Handicap: Scarlets [+6.5] at 1.85
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
