The penultimate round of URC League matches takes place this weekend and we take a look at the games involving South African teams and suggest a bet in each.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where Leinster are where they have been all season at the top of the betting boards and firm at 5/10, the Stormers are 13/2 second favourites. You can get 8/1 Munster and Ulster and 12/1 the Sharks with the Bulls on offer at 14/1 and 20/1 and better the balance.
Click here for the latest URC Outright Betting
FRIDAY
Sharks v Benetton – Click here to bet
The Sharks competed early away to Toulouse in the Champions Cup last week before getting well beaten. They now return to the URC where they are currently occupying the 8th and final qualification spot and they will know that a victory here will go a long way to ensuring their quarter-final qualification.
Benetton are just 1 position and 1 point behind them so victory for the Italians would also put them very much in the playoff hunt.
The Sharks most recent match in the URC was a disappointing 32-20 loss away to the Scarlets while Benetton are coming off a home loss to the Lions.
Handicap: Sharks -15.5
Benetton have sent a strong squad over and I fancy the Sharks may be a bit battered and bruised after the Toulouse clash. I think they will get the win they are looking for, but I am not convinced they can beat the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Benetton +15.5 points at 17/20
Money Back on a Red Card
Place a multiple of 4 Legs or more on Round 17 of the URC and if any of your selections receive a red card and lose, we will refund your stake in Free Bet vouchers.
*Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R2000.
Valid for bets taken before the games on 14 & 15 April
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘URC’
SATURDAY
Blue Bulls v Zebre – Click here to bet
This match is the first of a double header at Ellis Park and the bookmakers expect the Bulls, who are currently in 7th position to steamroll Zebre, who are still without a victory in the competition.
The Bulls were not involved in Championship Cup action last week having been knocked out in the last 16, but they fielded most of their URC players in a convincing home win over Griquas in the Currie Cup. Their last action in the URC was a 32-23 defeat to Ulster on the road.
Zebre came close to their first win of the season last time out losing 30-34 to Cardiff at home and they have certainly played some good rugby in patches this season, but never seemed to be able to put it together for 80 minutes.
Handicap: Blue Bulls -23.5
I am expecting the Bulls to come storming out of the blocks here and I am going to back them to lead by 11 points or more at the break.
Suggested Bet: First-Half Handicap Bulls -10.5 at 10/11
Lions v Leinster – Click here to bet
This is the second leg of the double header and hopefully will have a good few fans at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Lions are currently 11th on the log and still with an outside chance of getting a quarter-final spot although they would need other results to go their way.
Leinster have secured top spot on the table and it is no surprise that they have sent out a very young and inexperienced side as they give their big players a rest ahead of the playoff games which lie ahead.
Leinster were too good for Leicester at home in the Champions Cup last week winning convincingly while the Lions fought hard, but eventually went down to the Glasgow Warriors in the Challenge Cup.
Handicap: Lions -0.5
The current betting for this one is very much an even game and I am going to go for a speculative play here of Leinster to come out and lead at half-time only for the altitude to kick in and the Lions to pull away with the victory.
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time / Leinster/Lions at 6/1
Stormers v Munster – Click here to bet
The Stormers are currently 2nd on the log, but they have Ulster breathing down their neck in 3rd, just two points back. Munster are 5th on the table and virtually guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.
The Stormers started last week’s Champions Cup match against Exeter as favourites, but they were well beaten and they certainly missed the services of the injured Deon Fourie.
Handicap: Stormers -6.5
Munster have sent a strong squad over to South Africa and I just feel the Stormers are vulnerable at the moment and I am going to go for the upset win here.
Suggested Bet: Munster win at 5/2
Click here for betting on all of the weekend’s rugby action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
