There are a number of URC rugby fixtures set to take place this weekend, with a couple of South African derbies the betting highlight for many of us. We will look at 4 matches from Saturdays card from a betting point of view.
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Lions v Bulls – Click here to bet
The Lions currently sit in 10th place on the URC log after winning 4 and losing 5 of their 9 games.
The Bulls are in 4th place after winning 6 and losing 3 of their 9 matches.
These sides clashed in their most recent encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium where the Bulls snatched a tight win after Hendrikse failed to raise the flags with an 80th minute penalty attempt from halfway, resulting in a 2-point loss for the Lions and the final score being 30-28 to the Bulls.
This time the derby will take place at the Lions home ground, Ellis Park and Lions fans are hungry for revenge.
Handicap: Lions +4.5
Suggested Bet: Race to 10 points – Lions to win at 12/10
I believe the Lions will get off to a flying start in front of their supporters and will reach 10 points before the Bulls.
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Leinster v Benetton – Click here to bet
Leinster are currently topping the URC log after winning 7 and losing just 2 of their 9 games in the tournament so far. They have yet again been on solid form this campaign, however their most recent match ended in a 1-point loss to the Ulster at their home ground in Ireland, with the score being 21-22 when the final whistle blew.
Benetton have also been excellent this season and they are sitting in 2nd on the log at this point of the season after winning 7, drawing 1 and losing 1 of their matches up until the end of round 9. They will fancy their chances of an upset win. Their most recent game ended in a dominant 36-14 win over Zebre late last year when they played them in front of a home crowd.
Both teams are hard hit by players unavailable due to the 6 Nations.
Handicap: Leinster -21.5
Suggested Bet: Highest scoring half – second half at 1/1
I believe things will be tight early on in this match between the 2 top teams on the log, both of which could be rusty but I think it will open up in the second half and points will fly in.
Sharks v Stormers – Click here to bet
The Sharks are currently last on the table after a poor start, losing 8 and winning 1 of their matches. Their last 3 matches have been against South African teams and they lost by 34 points at Loftus against the Bulls, 1 point away to the Stormers and by 2 points at home to the Lions.
The Stormers sit 7th on the URC rankings after winning 5 and losing 4 of their games. Their last outing was a 16-15 win over the Sharks late last year and prior to that they beat the Bulls by 6 and Zebre by 24, both at home.
The last meeting in Durban between the sides came a year ago with the Stormers winning 46-19 and they have not lost to the Sharks in 6 matches (2 draws) and have won the last 4 home and away.
Handicap: Sharks +2.5
Suggested Bet: Unders on points at around 46.5
The points lines are not up yet but I expect a line of around 46.5 points and will be going unders with Durban at this time of the year offering up tough conditions.
Cardiff v Connacht – Click here to bet
Cardiff have had a disappointing start to this season’s campaign and they are currently in 12th place on the log, after winning 3 and losing 5 games, with just 4 teams behind them in the rankings. They met with the Ospreys in their last game that took place in Wales, where they lost by 6 points with the match ending 27-21.
Connacht have been on relatively consistent form in their 9 games so far, winning 5 and losing 4 which leaves them in 9th place on the URC table. Their last match was away to Munster on New Years Day, where Connacht ran away with the game, winning 22-9 with the home support cheering them towards victory.
Handicap: Cardiff +3.5
Suggested Bet: Cardiff win at 13/8
The home team has won the last 8 times these sides have met in the URC.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
