The new Investec Champions Cup season kicks off this weekend with three of the four South African sides in action. We take a betting-focused look at each of the matches and provide a suggested bet in each for consideration.
FRIDAY
Aviron Bayonnais v Stormers – Click here to bet
Bayonnais are heading into this week after winning three of their last five matches in the Top 14. Their last match saw them beat Lyon 22-20 at home last weekend. The Stormers have been on flying form, winning all of their first six matches in the URC. Their most recent win saw them come back against Munster to win 21-27 away from home.
Head-to-Head
The two sides will play each other for the first time with no previous encounters.
Betting and Verdict
- Bayonnais: 1.91
• Stormers: 2.05
• Draw: 29.00
The Stormers are on fire in the URC but they have rested a few players and their big Bok names are not yet in the squad. Bayonne have also rested players though and with the momentum they carry I am backing the Stormers to get the job done.
Suggested Bet: Stormers to win at 2.05.
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SATURDAY
Vodacom Bulls v Bordeaux Begles – Click here to bet
The Bulls are coming off back-to-back defeats in the URC. After the international break, they hosted the Lions last weekend but ended up losing the match 33-43 despite starting 13 point favourites. They have now only won two of their last five matches.
Bordeaux are also coming off back-to-back losses in the Top 14 after losing to Section Paloise 33-34 and Montpellier 28-24.
Head-to-Head
The two sides played each other at the beginning of last year where the Bulls won the match 46-40 at home.
Betting and Verdict
- Bulls: 1.67
• Bordeaux: 2.45
• Draw: 23.00
Handicap: Bulls -2.5
The last time Bordeaux played the Bulls in Pretoria, they sent out a second-string side and only lost by 6 points. This time they have sent out their full-strength squad with all their international players. The Bulls are also coming off the back of a poor loss last weekend to the Lions and so I think Bordeaux will have a strong chance of winning this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Bordeaux to win at 2.45
SUNDAY
Stade Toulousain v Sharks – Click here to bet
Toulouse are heading into this weekend after winning their last four matches in a row in the Top 14. They hosted Racing 92 last weekend and beat them convincingly with the score ending 48-24.
The Sharks on the other hand have won only one of their last five matches. They played against Connacht away from home last weekend but ended up losing that match 44-17.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met twice in the last two years with Toulouse winning both of the matches. The last time the two sides met in France, Toulouse won the match 54-20.
Betting and Verdict
- Toulouse: 1.01
• Sharks: 26.00
• Draw: 67.00
Handicap: Toulouse -35.5
Toulouse have been on a very solid run of form while the Sharks are battling. Toulouse have also managed to put up very big scores against the Sharks in recent years and so I think we will see this again this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Toulouse [-35.5] at 1.93
Click here for betting on all the weekends Investec Champions Cup matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
