We take a look at the 5 URC matches taking place on Saturday and suggest a bet in each game
Let’s take a look at the latest Outright Betting after Week 1 of the URC and we have Leinster trading as 4/6 favourites despite their opening weekend loss. Munster are 5/1 after a good win over the Sharks and the Stormers 11/2 with 12/1 and better the balance.
Click here for the latest United Rugby Championship Outright Betting
OSPREYS v ZEBRE – Click here to bet
The Ospreys were away at Connacht in their opening match and they started 12 point underdogs and that is exactly where the match finished as they went down 34-26. It doesn’t tell the whole story though because Connacht were leading comfortably before a late fight back from Ospreys saw them add some respectability.
Zebre were 16 point favourites at home to Ulster in their opening game and they started brilliantly, but were ultimately beaten 40-36 in a high scoring game.
Handicap: Ospreys -14.5
In my outright preview for the URC I predicted Zebre would improve this season and the Ospreys would struggle and I am going to take Zebre to beat the handicap
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Zebre +14.5 at 17/20
STORMERS v SCARLETS – Click here to bet
The Stormers survived a late Lions comeback in Johannesburg last week to hold on for a 35-33 victory, a game where they started 5 point favourites.
The Scarlets had a tough task away to the Bulls and were the 17 point underdogs, a handicap that was quickly blown out of the water as the Bulls ran out 63-21 winners in a very hot Pretoria.
Handicap: Stormers -24.5
I don’t think there is a lot of value in this handicap, but I fancy the Stormers can beat it.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Stormers -24.5 at 19/20
CONNACHT v GLASGOW – Click here to bet
I was a bit disappointed in the way Connacht let Ospreys back into the game last week, or the very least back in to grab the handicap, as I had made Connacht one of my better bets of the weekend. Still there was plenty to like about their 34-26 victory and they are going to be a tough nut to crack at home this season.
Glasgow started 5 point underdogs against Leinster, but they put together some brilliant play to win 43-25 against the competition favourites.
Handicap: Connacht -2.5
This game should be as close as the betting suggests, but I think that Connacht can do enough to beat the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Connacht -2.5 at 9/10
LEINSTER v SHARKS – Click here to bet
Leinster lost by 18 points away to the Glasgow Warriors last week, but of all the sides they were missing the most International players.
The Sharks were disappointing against Munster where they went down 34-21 with a late try adding respectability to the score. They started +12.5 and Sharks backers were left to think of what might have been had their defence not been so poor.
Handicap: Leinster -17.5
It is hard to oppose Leinster at home, but I am expecting improvement from the Sharks and think they can beat a big handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Sharks +17.5 at 19/20
EDINBURGH v LIONS – Click here to bet
Edinburgh were narrow winners over the Dragons in their opening match winning 22-17 on the road, a game which finished very much in line with the bookmakers handicap.
The Lions were at home to Stormers and fell behind early before coming back to lose by 2 points in Johannesburg.
Handicap: Edinburgh -11.5
The Handicap is set at Edinburgh -11.5, but I have a sneaky feeling that the Lions will improve and can push them close. I am going to back the visitors to get an upset win.
Suggested Bet: The Lions win at 5/1
Click here for the betting on all of the weekends URC Rugby action
