After two weeks of European Champions and Challenge Cup Rugby, the URC returns this weekend with all four South African sides in action.
The Lions will host the Bulls in an epic derby while the Stormers travel to take on Leinster and the Sharks take on Cardiff in Wales.
We take a look at the games featuring the South African teams from a betting angle.
Outright Betting Update
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting Markets where Leinster remain the favourites at 1.57 followed by the Bulls trading at 6.00. The Glasgow Warriors are in 3rd spot at 7.50 with Munster and The Sharks both 13.00 with the balance of the teams trading at 21.00 and higher.
Click here for URC Outright Betting
Lions v Vodacom Bulls – Click here to bet
Both teams are coming off the back of home wins last weekend with the Lions beating the Dragons 60-10 in the Challenge Cup and the Bulls beating Stade Francais 48-7 in the Champions Cup.
The Lions have won two of their last five matches in all competitions while the Bulls have only won one of their last five matches. The Lions have, however, won all of their home matches this season while the Bulls have lost their last three away from home.
The Lions are currently 12th on the log and the Bulls are 4th and both teams have a couple of games in hand over the overseas based sides.
Head-to-Head
The Bulls have won four of the last five matches against the Lions, however, the Lions won the most recent fixture which took place in Pretoria with the match ending 33-57.
Betting and Verdict
The Bulls are favorites to win the match and are trading at 1.60 while the Lions are trading at 2.65. The bookies have the draw at 26.00.
The Lions are yet to lose a match at home in this season’s URC and they seem to have rediscovered their spark and I think the home team can edge a close game.
Handicap: Lions [+3.5]
MY BET: Lions to win at 2.65.
Other markets which support my view of a close match include
Lions to win by under 12.4 points at 3.20
Tribet: Either team to win by 7 of less (including draw) at 2.40
Leinster v Stormers – Click here to bet
Leinster have continued to show why they are one of the best club sides in the world, winning their last thirteen matches in a row. They hosted Bath last weekend in the Champions Cup where they won the match 47-21.
The Stormers have found some form, winning three of their last five matches, however, they have only won one of their last five matches away from home.
Leinster sit at the top of the URC table, ten points clear after only nine matches while the Stormers are sitting in tenth place twenty-two points behind Leinster.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met three times over the last three years with the Stormers winning two home fixtures and the other ending in a draw in Dublin.
Betting and Verdict
Leinster are heavy favorites to win the match and are trading at 1.16 while the Stormers are at 6.00. The bookies have the draw at 31.00.
Although Leinster have been one of the top sides in Europe, they will be missing a number of players this week that have joined the Ireland camp in preparation for the Six Nations.
The Stormers are yet to lose to Leinster and will take full opportunity of this and so for this reason I can see the Stormers giving Leinster a run for their money.
Handicap: Stormers [+11.5]
BET: Handicap, Stormers [+11.5] at 2.00
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Cardiff v Sharks – Click here to bet
Cardiff are coming off the back of a 19-28 home loss to Connacht in the Challenge Cup last weekend while the Sharks suffered a 66-12 loss to Bordeaux in the Champions Cup.
Cardiff have only lost two of their last five matches while the Sharks have only won one of their last five. Cardiff have also only lost one of their last five home matches while the Sharks have lost their last four matches in a row away from home.
Cardiff are currently sitting third on the table while the Sharks are sitting fifth, only four points behind.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played each other three times in the URC with Cardiff winning all three matches, one at home and two away.
Betting and Verdict
The bookies have the Sharks as favorites to win the match with them trading at 1.28 while Cardiff are trading at 4.50 and the draw is at 26.00.
Cardiff have a very impressive record against the Sharks and seem to be the better team at the moment. They are missing some players to 6 Nations duty but I think they can cause an upset win against a Sharks side battling for consistency.
Handicap: Cardiff [+8.5]
BET: Cardiff to win at 4.50.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
