The Investec Champions Cup returns for the second week in a row with two of the South African sides looking to bounce back after losing last week while the Stormers look to continue their impressive run of form. We will take a look at the three matches from a betting angle and offer up a suggested bet in each for consideration.
SATURDAY
Stormers v Stade Rochelais – Click here to bet
The Stormers continued their extremely impressive start to their new season as they beat Aviron Bayonnais 17-26 away from home last weekend to record their seventh win in a row this season. They remain undefeated in all competitions.
Stade Rochelais recorded their first win in four games last weekend as they beat the Leicester Tigers 39-20 at home in the first round of the Champions Cup but indications are they will be missing a number of top players for this clash at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played each other twice since 2023 with both fixtures being extremely tight. The most recent fixture saw Stade Rochelais win 21-22 away from home last year while the match before that, the Stormers won 21-20 also at home.
Betting
The Stormers are heavy favourites to win this weekend and are trading at 1.01 while Stade Rochelais are trading at 20.00 for the win. The draw is currently at 71.00.
Handicap: Stormers -25.5
Verdict
Although Stade Rochelais have not been on the best run of form, they have managed to always perform when they play the Stormers in Cape Town. Squad news suggests they are prepared to sacrifice this game but the Stormers don’t often win big and I think the visitors beat the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Stade Rochelais [+25.5] at 1.91
Sharks v Saracens – Click here to bet
The Sharks have had a really poor start to their new season in the URC and Champions Cup, winning only one of their last seven matches across all competitions. They played against Toulousain last weekend away from home and lost the match 56-19, which was enough to beat the +48.5 handicap on offer at kick off.
Saracens by contrast have been on a decent run of form, winning three of their last five matches in all competitions. They dominated Clermont last weekend at home, winning the game 47-10.
Head-to-Head
The two sides are yet to play each other in any competition.
Betting
Saracens are favourites to win the match and are trading at 1.71 while the Sharks are trading at 2.35 even though they are at home and the draw is currently at 29.00.
Handicap: Sharks +2.5
Verdict
The Sharks have not been at their best recently and it does not look like things are going to change any time soon. Saracens are coming into this weekend’s match with some big momentum after last weekend’s win and so I think they should be able to grab another win.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Saracens [-2.5] at 1.95.
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SUNDAY
Northampton Saints v Bulls – Click here to bet
The Saints opened their new Champions Cup season with a 27-35 win against Section Paloise last weekend away from home. This came after they suffered three defeats in a row in their local league.
The Bulls have also not had the best run of form recently only winning one of their last five matches. They hosted Bordeaux last weekend and were outplayed with the final score being 33-46.
Head-to-Head
The Saints and the Bulls played each other twice last year with the Saints winning both matches. The last time they played each other in England, the Saints won 59-22 against a Bulls team missing many star players.
Betting
The Northampton Saints are favourites to win and are trading at 1.12 while the Bulls are trading at 7.50. The draw is currently at 36.00.
Handicap: Saints -13.5
Verdict
Northampton will be looking for redemption in the Champions Cup after losing in the final earlier this year and they got off to a solid start last weekend. I think they will make a big statement against a weak Bulls side this weekend, and in so doing beat this handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Northampton Saints [-13.5] at 1.83
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
