The Challenge Cup, Round of 16 takes place this weekend and we take a look at the three matches involving South African teams.
Note: Bets have been added to the Bulls and Sharks games
EDINBURGH v LIONS – Click here to bet
Edinburgh are coming off a 38-5 victory over the Dragons at home in the URC and their last two home matches in the group stages of this competition saw them beat Black Lion by 21 points and Bayonnais by 40.
The Lions are coming off a disappointing 42-0 loss away at Glasgow in the URC and they booked their spot in the playoffs of this competition with a convincing 60-10 victory over the Dragons at home. That was proceeded by a 28-5 loss on the road to Montpellier.
Head-to-Head
These sides met in the URC last season with the Lions winning 55-21 at home and the year before, Edinburg hosted and won 17-16.
Betting and Verdict
Handicap: Edinburgh -12.5
As much as the Lions would like to win this competition, I think their focus will be on making the playoffs of the URC and I think Edinburg will be too strong .
The bet I fancy is Edinburgh to score 32 points or more.
BET: Edinburgh Over 31.5 points at 1.90
BAYONNAIS v VODACOM BULLS – Click here to bet
Bayonnais are coming off a 28-14 home win over Lyon in the Top 14 and in typical French fashion they tend to be very strong at home and lose on the road. Their last game in this competition was a 55-17 home win over Gloucester.
The Bulls are coming off a confidence boosting 63-24 hammering of Zebre having just edged Leinster 21-20 the week before. This will be their first Challenge Cup game having failed to make the Round of 16 in the Champions Cup.
Head-to-Head
These sides have never met in a competitive match.
Betting and Verdict
Handicap: Bayonne +1.5
The Bulls are narrow favourites and I think rightfully so as they have picked a strong team and are clearly targeting the Challenge Cup. I don’t see them winning by far though and will take the 1-12 option.
BET: Bulls win by 1-12 points at 2.60
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Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000.
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LYON v SHARKS – Click here to bet
Lyon were away to Bayonnais in the Top 14 last week and they went down 28-14. Their home form has been strong though and they have won their last three Top 14 home games. They were too strong for the Cheetahs in their final group match of the Challenge Cup winning 68-21 at home.
The Sharks are coming off a disappointing 10-7 loss at home to a weakened Leinster side in the URC. Their last action in the Champions Cup was a 66-12 hammering at the hands of Bordeaux and that saw them into the Challenge Cup.
Head-to-Head
These sides have not met in a competitive match.
Betting and Verdict
Handicap: Lyon -15.5
The Sharks have named a young but potentially exciting team and I think they can give a good account of themselves against a French team whose motivation can potentially be in doubt.
BET: Sharks +15.5 at 17/20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
