Only four teams remain in this year’s United Rugby Championship as we head into the weekend’s semi-finals. Leinster will host Glasgow, followed by a South African derby between the Vodacom Bulls and the Sharks, with both games taking place on Saturday the 7th of June.
We’ll break down both fixtures from a betting perspective, including a few suggested plays along the way.
Leinster are aiming to lift the URC trophy for the first time and head into the weekend as clear favourites, trading at 1.40 to win the tournament. The Bulls are next in line at 4.75, followed by the Sharks at 9.50, with Glasgow Warriors considered the outsiders at 14.00.
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SATURDAY
Leinster v Glasgow Warriors – Click here to bet
Leinster booked their place in the semi-finals with a 33-21 home win over the Scarlets in the quarter-finals. They come into this clash with solid momentum, having won their last three URC matches.
Glasgow, meanwhile, earned their semi-final spot with an impressive 36-18 victory over the Stormers at home. However, their form has been mixed, with just two wins from their last five games.
Head-to-Head
Leinster have dominated this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings between the sides. Their most recent encounter was just last month in Dublin, where Leinster won a tight battle 13-5. Notably, they also met in the Champions Cup quarter-final earlier this season, where Leinster thrashed Glasgow 52-0 at full strength.
Betting and Verdict
Leinster: 1.15
Glasgow Warriors: 7.00
Draw: 34.00
Handicap: Leinster [-13.5] at 1.95
Leinster have shown what they’re capable of when they field their strongest XV, and with a home semi-final on the line, I expect a strong display from the Irish giants and for them to put their semi-final bogey to rest.
BET: Handicap, Leinster [-13.5] at 1.95
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Vodacom Bulls v Sharks – Click here to bet
A massive North vs South South African clash awaits as the Bulls host the Sharks, with both sides eager to book their place in the URC Final.
The Bulls come into this match in red-hot form, riding a five-match winning streak. They secured their semi-final spot with a 42-33 victory over Edinburgh at Loftus in the quarter-finals.
The Sharks are also on a five-match unbeaten run, having edged Munster in dramatic fashion last weekend. After the match ended in a draw, the Sharks held their nerve in a kick-off shootout to seal a famous win.
Head-to-Head
The Sharks have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last five, while the Bulls have managed just one victory, with one match ending in a draw. Most notably, the Sharks beat the Bulls 29-19 in Pretoria the last time they met.
Betting and Verdict
Bulls: 1.35
Sharks: 3.80
Draw: 29.00
Handicap: Bulls [-7.5] at 1.95
The Sharks’ strong record against the Bulls and their emotional high from last weekend make them a dangerous opponent. If there’s an upset on the cards this weekend, this could be the one.
BET: Sharks to win at 3.80
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
