The VURC heads into derby week once again for the South African sides, with the Lions hosting the Bulls, followed by the Sharks facing the Stormers in Durban. We take a look at both fixtures from a betting perspective and offer a few suggested wagers.
Outright Betting – click here to bet
From an outright title perspective, Leinster remain firm favourites at 1.80 despite currently sitting third on the log, reflecting their depth, experience, and strong playoff record. The Stormers are next best at 4.50 and remain South Africa’s leading title hope after an impressive start to the season, while log leaders Glasgow Warriors are priced at 6.50.
Among the remaining South African sides, the Bulls are available at 10.00 and remain in the chasing pack for a playoff spot. The Sharks, at 21.00, are viewed as outsiders after a slow start, while the Lions (81.00) are considered long shots.
Lions v Vodacom Bulls – Click here to bet
The Lions have had a mixed run over their last five matches, suffering only one defeat but managing just two wins. They have drawn their last two games in succession, which is uncommon in modern professional rugby. Their most recent outing saw them draw 24–24 away to the Ospreys.
The Bulls appear to have turned a corner after a difficult spell in which they lost seven consecutive matches. They recorded a narrow 26–24 win over Section Paloise in the Champions Cup two weeks ago and followed that up with a 19–17 victory against Edinburgh last weekend, securing back-to-back wins.
Head-to-Head
In the last five URC meetings between the two sides, the Bulls have claimed four victories. The Lions’ only win in that period came in the most recent fixture, when they defeated the Bulls 43–33 at Loftus. The last time the teams met at Ellis Park in the URC, the Bulls won 35–22.
Betting Odds
The Bulls are favourites with the bookmakers at 1.47, while the Lions are priced at 3.00. The draw is currently available at 26.00.
Handicap: Lions +5.5
The last time the Bulls won a match by more than five points was in October last year, when they defeated Leinster 39–31. Since then, they have played eleven matches without winning by more than five points. The Lions have also been competitive recently, losing just one of their last five matches.
While I do expect the Bulls to win this weekend, I do not anticipate a comfortable margin.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin Bulls by 1-7 Points at 3.50
Sharks v Stormers – Click here to bet
The two sides met last weekend in Cape Town, where the Sharks produced an excellent performance to secure a 30–19 victory. That result gave the Sharks back-to-back wins and their third victory in five matches.
They currently sit eleventh on the table after a poor start to the season, but recent performances suggest they are moving in the right direction.
After a strong start to the campaign, which saw them win their first ten matches in all competitions, the Stormers have slowed slightly, losing two of their last three games. Those defeats came against the Sharks at home last weekend and Harlequins away three weeks ago.
Although they have lost only one league match, the Stormers are currently second on the table, with Glasgow having accumulated more bonus points.
Head-to-Head
The Stormers have won three of their last five encounters with the Sharks and also boast a solid record in Durban, having won three of the last five meetings at the venue.
Betting Odds
The Stormers are favourites for this fixture at 1.73, while the Sharks are priced at 2.35. The draw is available at 23.00 at the time of writing.
Handicap: Sharks +2.5
Despite the Stormers’ strong overall season, the Sharks appear to have greater momentum heading into this weekend. They are coming off consecutive wins, defeated the Stormers in Cape Town last week, and also won the last meeting between the sides in Durban.
For that reason, I believe the Sharks can secure another solid victory before the competition breaks.
Suggested Bet: Sharks to win at 2.35.
Click here for betting on all the weekends URC matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
