The Investec Champions Cup returns this weekend for Round 3 of the tournament. South African interest is high, with the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers all facing stiff opposition. Below, we assess all three fixtures from a betting perspective and highlight a few potential angles.
Outright Betting – Market Overview – click here to bet
The outright market for the Investec Champions Cup is beginning to take shape, with the usual European heavyweights dominating the top of the board. Stade Toulousain lead the betting at 3.65 after a strong start, with Leinster close behind at 4.25. Union Bordeaux-Bègles are next best at 4.50, reflecting their impressive attacking output in the opening rounds.
From a South African perspective, the Stormers are the shortest-priced local side at 13.00. They remain unbeaten across all competitions this season and are well positioned in their pool, though they are likely to face sterner tests as the knockout stages approach. The Bulls (36.00) and Sharks (81.00) are priced as longer shots, with both sides needing a significant improvement in consistency to mount a realistic title challenge.
SATURDAY
Vodacom Bulls v Bristol Bears – Click here to bet
The Bulls have now gone six matches in a row without a win. This poor run of form started with a loss away from home against the Glasgow Warriors. In these six matches, they had one home Champions Cup fixture, where they lost 46–33 to Bordeaux. Their most recent match saw them lose 13–8 to the Stormers away from home last weekend in a United Rugby Championship game.
Bristol, on the other hand, have won their last six matches in a row across all competitions. Their most recent match saw them beat the Sale Sharks 19–17 at home in a Gallagher Premiership fixture.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played each other once in recent history, back in 2024. That match was played in Bristol, where the Bulls won 31–17.
Betting
Bulls 1.12
Bristol Bears 7.75
Draw 36.00
Handicap: Bulls -14.5
Verdict
Bristol travel to Loftus Versfeld riding a wave of confidence, while the Bulls are searching for answers after six straight defeats. Loftus remains a difficult venue for visiting sides, but based on current form, I believe Bristol can make life difficult for the hosts.
Suggested Bet: Bristol Bears +14.5 at 1.87
Sale Sharks v Sharks– Click here to bet
Sale are heading into this week having won two of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent match saw them lose 19–17 to the Bristol Bears last week in the Premiership.
The Sharks are also heading into this week having won only two of their last five matches. Their most recent Champions Cup fixture saw them beat Saracens 28–23 at home, however, their URC match last weekend, also at home, saw them lose 22–23 to the Lions with the Sharks conceding the winning try on the hooter.
Head-to-Head
The two sides are yet to play each other in any competition and their have been some spicy exchanges in social media this week.
Betting
Sale Sharks 1.08
Sharks 10.00
Draw 41.00
Handicap: Sale Sharks -16.5
Verdict
Neither side has been firing consistently, but I struggle to see the Sharks being blown away given the strength of their matchday squad. Sale should have enough to edge the contest, though it may be closer than the market suggests.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Sharks +16.5 at 1.93
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SUNDAY
Harlequins v Stormers – Click here to bet
Harlequins have had a tough run recently, winning only two of their last ten matches across all competitions. Their most recent fixture saw them lose 66–21 to the Northampton Saints last weekend in the Premiership.
The Stormers, on the other hand, remain undefeated across all competitions this season after beating the Bulls 13–8 in the URC last weekend. They currently top Pool 3 but Harlequins remain very much in playoff contention and can move ahead of the Stormers with a win here.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met in the Champions Cup back in 2024, where the Quins hosted the match and went on to win 53–16.
Betting
Harlequins 1.80
Stormers 2.20
Draw 23.00
Verdict
Week after week, the Stormers continue to underline just how effective they are. They travel to England to face a Harlequins side struggling for consistency, and on current form, it is difficult to oppose the South Africans.
Suggested Bet: Stormers win at 2.20
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
