We look at all 5 URC fixtures being played on Saturday from a betting angle.
Leinster are the 4/7 favourites to win the URC
Click here for URC Outright Betting
ZEBRE v BULLS – Click here to bet
Zebre
Zebre lost their first 2 URC matches of the season, 36-40 to Ulster at home and 31-35 to the Ospreys on the road. They are threatening to win a game, will this be the week?
Bulls
The Bulls smashed the Scarlets 63-21 in their first game in Pretoria and then lost to Ulster 26-19 last weekend in Ireland. They played well in patches and will be disappointed to have made mistakes at key times.
Head-to-head
These teams last met in April at Loftus Versfeld Stadium where the Bulls hammered Zebre 78-12. The Bulls have won both of the teams most recent head-to-head matches.
Handicap: Zebre (+14.5)
Suggested Bet: Bulls -14.5 at 19/20
The Bulls should be too physical for Zebre upfront and win pull clear in the 2nd half.
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LEINSTER v EDINBURGH – Click here to bet
Leinster
Leinster lost to the Glasgow Warriors (43-25) in their first match of the season in Scotland but then beat the Sharks 34-15 at home last week.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh have won both of their matches. They beat the Dragons 22-17 on the road coming from well down to get the victory and last week they narrowly beat the Lions 17-16 at home.
Head-to-head
These teams last met in March at the Murrayfield Stadium where Leinster took the win of 47-27. Of the teams 3 most recent head-to-head games, Leinster has won all three.
Handicap: Leinster (-15.5)
Suggested Bet: Leinster -15.5
Leinster showed promising signs in beating the Sharks at home last week and they should be too strong for this Edinburgh team.
SCARLETS v CARDIFF – Click here to bet
Scarlets
The Scarlets have lost their first 2 matches of the season in South Africa and they will be pleased to be back on home soil. The Bulls beat them 63-21 and the Stormers 52-7.
Cardiff
Cardiff lost narrowly to Benetton 23-22 in their opening match at home and then beat the Dragons 16-9 on the road.
Head-to-head
These teams last met in January in Cardiff where Scarlets won 28-22. Of the teams 3 most recent head-to-head matches, Scarlets have won 2 of the 3.
Handicap: Scarlets (-0.5)
Suggested Bet: Cardiff win at 23/20
The Scarlets may take some time to recover from that South African trip and Cardiff have performed better than I expected so far.
MUNSTER v DRAGONS – Click here to bet
Munster
In their first game of the season, Munster beat the Sharks 34-21 at home and they then drew 13-13 to Benneton away last weekend a game where they started 5 point favourites.
Dragons
The Dragons lost both of their first matches, 17-22 against Edinburgh at home and 9-16 against Cardiff at home.
Head-to-head
These teams last met last year September in Wales where the Dragons beat Munster 23-17. It is worth noting that 18 of the Dragons points came from penalty kicks.
Of the teams 3 most recent head-to-head matches, Munster has won 2 of the 3.
Handicap: Munster (-21.5)
Suggested Bet: Munster -21.5 at 9/10
This handicap is big but Munster at home should be far too strong for the Dragons.
CONNACHT v ULSTER – Click here to bet
Connacht
Connacht has won both of their first matches of the URC season against Ospreys and the Glasgow Warriors. The score for both matches was 34-26 and both games were played at home!
Ulster
Ulster have also won both of their matches to start the season. They beat Zebre 40-36 on the road, followed by a hard fought win over the Bulls at home, 26-19.
Head-to-head
These teams last met in May in Belfast where Connacht beat Ulster 15-10. All Connacht’s points came from penalty kicks.
Of the teams 3 most recent head-to-head matches, Ulster has won 2 and Connacht 1
Handicap: Connacht (-2.5)
Suggested Bet: 1st half winning margin Connacht by 1-7 at 39/20
I am backing Connacht to start well and hold a narrow lead at the break.
Click here for all the weekend’s United Rugby Championship Betting
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
