We take a closer look at Saturday’s four URC matches that feature South African teams including the Bulls v Benetton clash at Loftus Versfeld and we suggest a bet in each game.
Leinster remain firm favourites to win the URC Championship at 8/15 and as far as the South African teams go, the Blue Bulls are second favourites at 11/2, the Stormers are priced at 17/2 and you can get 150/1 the Lions with the Sharks not quoted as they have no mathematical chance of making the last eight.
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BULLS v BENETTON – Click here to bet
The Bulls are currently 4th on the log and have won their last two home matches by 6 points against Glasgow and 37 points against the Ospreys. A bonus point win here would ensure them of a Top 4 finish.
Benetton are currently sitting in the final playoff position in 8th spot with 2 games to go. They pulled off a come-from-behind 25-24 win away to the Sharks last week and the victory here would assure them of a spot in the last 8.
These sides last met in the Rainbow Cup Final in 2021 when Benetton won 35-8.
Handicap: Bulls -18.5
The Bulls allowed Glasgow back into the game last week, but I don’t expect the same mistake this time around and I think they are going to win it comfortably.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls -18 at 10/11
LIONS v GLASGOW WARRIORS – Click here to bet
The Lions are 10th on the table and are still in with an outside chance of making the last 8. A bonus point victory here is a non-negotiable. They secured 5 points last week against Cardiff, but they had to wait for a late try to win 34-13. They were well beaten 33-13 at home against Munster the week before.
The Warriors are top of the log by 1 point with two matches to play. They came back strongly last week against the Bulls to get what could be a crucial losing bonus point they will be targeting the victory here to get pole position going into the final week of regular season action.
Glasgow beat the Lions 31-21 at home last year and the last time they visited the Emirates Airline Park it was the Lions who won 35-24 also in 2023.
Handicap: Lions -0.5
The bookies cannot separate these teams and I think this is going to be a tight game so I am expecting the visitors to get a narrow win to send the Lions out of the competition.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Glasgow 1-7 points inclusive at 26/10
CONNACHT v STORMERS –Click here to bet
Connacht are 9th on the table, 4 points behind 8th placed Benetton and if Benetton lose against the Bulls, Connacht may be able to jump into the playoff position with a victory, depending on how many bonus points Benetton are able to collect.
They were disappointing last week going down 47-12 away to Munster, but their last home game was a resounding 54-16 win over Zebre back in mid-April.
The Stormers are 5th on the log and not yet 100% assured of a playoff spot. They started slowly last week before stretching clear to beat the Dragons 44-21 on the road. The Stormers hosted Connacht in 2020 winning 43-25 and in 2022 it was Connacht who won here 19-17
Handicap: Connacht +5.5
Connacht haven’t had the greatest of seasons, but they are never easy to beat at home and I think this one will go down to the wire and will back the home team to beat the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Connacht +5.5 at 9/10
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SHARKS v CARDIFF – Click here to bet
The Sharks are 12th on the table and out of contention for a Top 8 place. They play Gloucester in England next week in the Challenge Cup Final and no doubt their focus will be on that match. They fielded a strong side at home last week to Benetton, but lost to a late rally from the visitors.
Cardiff are 1 position behind the Sharks on the table and are level on points. They are on an awful run that has seen them without a victory in 2024. They were beaten 34-13 away to the Lions last week and have failed to score 20 points in any of their last 5 matches.
Cardiff stunned the Sharks in Durban in 2022 winning 35-0.
Handicap: Sharks -2.5
This looks a tough game to call because neither team has anything to play for and the Sharks will certainly have their eye on the Challenge Cup. I am going to have a speculative play that the Sharks start quickly, lead at the break and let Cardiff come back to win the match.
Suggested Bet: Half-time/Full-time, Sharks/Cardiff at 7/1
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
