Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 2 Betting Preview
After a brilliant opening weekend, the URC returns for Round 2. We will take a look at all four matches involving the South African sides from a betting angle offering up a bet in each for your consideration.
FRIDAY
Stormers v Ospreys – Click here to bet
The Stormers got their campaign off to a dream start, beating defending champions Leinster (who were missing their internationals) 35–0 at home, the Stormers were also without a number of 1st choice players.
The Ospreys put up a fight in Pretoria, eventually going down 53–40 to the Bulls in a game where they started 20 point underdogs.
Head-to-Head
The Stormers last beat Ospreys in 2022 (29–13). Since then the sides have met three times, with Ospreys winning twice and one draw. Their most recent clash saw Ospreys win 37–24 at home.
Betting and Verdict
Stormers 1.12 | Ospreys 7.50 | Draw 46.00
Handicap: Stormers -13.5
The Stormers showed their squad depth in Round 1 and should again have too much.
Suggested Bet: Stormers -13.5 at 1.85
Dragons v Sharks – Click here to bet
The Dragons got off to a disappointing start to the season as they lost 42-21 to Ulster away from home after scoring their first try of the season within 9 seconds of the match. The Sharks also had a tough start to their campaign as they lost 35-19 to Glassgow away from home.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met five times over the last three years with the Sharks winning all five of those matches. The most recent fixture saw the Sharks win 30-33 away from home in a match that was a lot tighter than what some expected.
Betting and Verdict
Dragons 2.05 | Sharks 1.91 | Draw 21.00
Handicap: Dragons +0.5
There has been money for the Dragons but I think the Sharks will edge what should be a close game in fairly poor conditions.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin – Sharks by 1-7 points inclusive at 3.75
SATURDAY
Vodacom Bulls v Leinster – Click here to bet
A repeat of last season’s grand Final. The Bulls got their first win of the season under their belt as they beat the Ospreys 53-40, a score that was a little closer than what some might have expected.
Leinster had a disappointing start to their season, not scoring a point as they lost 35-0 to the Stormers away from home.
Head-to-Head
The last five meetings have produced three wins for the Bulls and two for Leinster, with every victory coming at home.
Betting and Verdict
Bulls 1.28 | Leinster 4.50 | Draw 29.00
Handicap: Bulls -9.5
Leinster looked badly exposed in Cape Town and the Bulls will be confident of making a statement at Loftus. I am backing them to beat this handicap.
Suggested Bet: Bulls -9.5 at 1.95
Back the Bulls to win any of their games in 80 Mins and get 5% of your stake back as a Free Bet for every Try they score!
Important Details:
Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000.
Valid for bets taken before the start of each Bulls game
How to Claim:
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Bulls Try Promo’ to claim your voucher
SUNDAY
Zebre v Lions– Click here to bet
Zebre had a solid start to the season as they hosted Edinburgh in the first round. They put in a good performance to win the match 31-28 and start their season on the front foot.
The Lions had a tougher start as they played Cardiff away from home. They ended up losing that match 33-20 despite leading by 6 points well into the 2nd half.
Head-to-Head
The Lions have won all four previous meetings. The most recent clash in Parma ended 10–9 to the Lions.
Betting and Verdict
Zebre 2.20 | Lions 1.80 | Draw 26.00
Handicap: Zebre +1.5
Zebre’s win last week and near-miss last season suggest to me they can go one better here.
Suggested Bet: Zebre to win at 2.20
Click here for betting on all the weekends URC matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
