Just one round remains in the group stages of this year’s URC competition, giving teams a final chance to secure their place in the quarter-finals. The Vodacom Bulls and Sharks have already qualified, while the Stormers need only 2 points to guarantee their spot. Unfortunately for the Lions, they are too far behind and can no longer qualify.
We’ll take a look at the four South African team matches from a betting perspective and offer a few suggested bets for your consideration.
Leinster remain favourites to win the competition, trading at 1.40, followed by the Bulls at 5.50. Defending champions Glasgow Warriors are available at 11.00, while the Sharks are priced at 10.00.
Click here for URC winner betting
FRIDAY
Stormers vs Cardiff – Click here to bet
The Stormers are in solid form after a convincing 48-12 win over the Dragons last weekend — their third consecutive victory. Cardiff, meanwhile, were outclassed by the Bulls in Pretoria, going down 45-21, and have now won just two of their last five games in all competitions.
Head-to-Head:
Cardiff have won the last two meetings between the sides, both played in Cardiff — the most recent being 31-24. However, the last time they visited Cape Town, the Stormers ran out 40-3 winners.
Betting and Verdict:
- Stormers: 1.08
- Cardiff: 10.00
- Draw: 41.00
The Stormers are peaking at the right time, boosted by the return of several key players. A win guarantees a spot in the quarter-finals, and with home advantage, they should make a statement here.
Handicap: Stormers [-16.5]
BET: Handicap, Stormers [-16.5] at 1.91
SATURDAY
Vodacom Bulls vs Dragons – Click here to bet
The Bulls secured a comfortable 45-21 win over Cardiff last weekend — their fourth victory in five matches. In contrast, the Dragons slumped to their 11th straight defeat, going down 48-12 to the Stormers.
Head-to-Head:
The Bulls have won all three previous clashes between the sides. Their last meeting ended 31-10 in Wales, while the previous game in Pretoria saw the Bulls win 55-20.
Betting and Verdict:
- Bulls: 1.01
- Dragons: 26.00
- Draw: 91.00
A win would lock in second place for the Bulls, ensuring home advantage in both the quarter-finals and a potential semi-final. Expect them to go all out and beat the 39 point start the bookmakers are giving the Dragons.
Handicap: Bulls [-39.5]
BET: Handicap, Bulls [-35.5] at 1.91
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Lions vs Ospreys – Click here to bet
The Lions continued their poor form with a 19-32 home defeat to the Scarlets — their fourth loss in five games. The Ospreys, meanwhile, were outplayed by the Sharks in Durban, going down 29-10, and have also managed only two wins in their last five.
Head-to-Head:
The Ospreys are unbeaten their last three matches against the Lions, including a 28-28 draw in Johannesburg last season.
Betting and Verdict:
- Lions: 1.72
- Ospreys: 2.38
- Draw: 23.00
Neither team can make the playoffs, so pride is on the line. The Lions will be motivated to end their campaign on a high and should benefit from playing at home against a team that may already mentally be on holiday.
Handicap: Lions [-2.5]
BET: Handicap, Lions [-2.5] at 1.95
Sharks vs Scarlets – Click here to bet
This promises to be a competitive encounter in Durban. The Sharks are riding a three-match win streak, including last weekend’s 29-10 victory over the Ospreys. The Scarlets, too, have won their last three — most recently a 19-32 away win over the Lions.
Head-to-Head:
The Sharks have won two of the three previous meetings — both in Durban. The only game played in Wales went the Scarlets’ way, 32-20. Last season’s match in Durban ended 32-27 to the Sharks.
Betting and Verdict:
- Sharks: 1.18
- Scarlets: 6.00
- Draw: 31.00
The Scarlets proved last weekend they can win in South Africa and may offer stiffer resistance than expected. This could be tighter than the odds suggest.
Handicap: Scarlets [+11.5]
BET: Handicap, Scarlets [+11.5] at 1.91
Note: All odds correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
