The VURC returns for Round 3 this weekend with all four South African sides playing matches away from home. We will take a look at these matches from a betting angle and offer up suggested bets for consideration.
FRIDAY
Scarlets v Stormers
The Scarlets are one of only four teams to have only played one match so far. They faced Munster at home in the opening round but ended up losing the match 21-34 and so they are currently sitting at the bottom of the table.
The Stormers have got off to the perfect start winning their first two matches, both at home. They beat Leinster 35-0 in the first half and went on to beat the Ospreys 26-10 in the second after overcoming some early resistance.
Head-to-Head
The Stormers have won their last four matches against the Scarlets with the last match ending 17-29 in Wales.
Betting
Scarlets 3.25
Draw 18.00
Stormers 1.47
Handicap: Scarlets +4.5
Verdict
The Stormers are going into this weekend with a ton of momentum and will want to get their away tour off to a good start. They also have a few international players returning to the side and so I think they should beat the Scarlets comfortably.
Suggested Bet: Stormers -4.5 at 1.90
SATURDAY
Benetton v Lions
After a disappointing loss in the first round against Connacht, Benetton bounced back to pull off a brilliant win against the Glasgow Warriors in Round 2. The match ended 16-14 with a late drop goal sealing the deal.
The Lions have had a tough start to their season after losing in both Rounds 1 and 2. Round 1 saw them lose 33-20 to Cardiff while Round 2 saw them lose 22-20 to Zebre, a game where they led going into the last 5 minutes.
Head-to-Head
In the last five encounters between the two sides, Benetton have won the three most recent matches with the Lions winning the two before that. The last match saw Benetton win 31-42 in Johannesburg.
Betting
Benetton 1.25
Draw 21.00
Lions 5.00
Handicap: Benetton -8.5
Verdict
The Lions are coming off the back of a tough loss against Zebre while Benetton will be buzzing after their win against Glasgow. The last time the Lions beat Benetton was back in 2023 and so I think Benetton will be able to win comfortably this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Benetton -8.5 at 1.90
Leinster v Sharks
Leinster have had one of their worst starts of the season in a long time, losing their first two matches in a row against the Stormers and the Bulls. They return home now and will welcome back their B&I Lions internationals.
The Sharks opened their season with a 35-19 loss to the Glasgow Warriors in Round 1 and followed that up with a disappointing 17-17 draw against the Dragons last weekend. They dominated the 1st half in poor conditions but failed to kick on in the 2nd half and were hanging on for the draw in the end.
Head-to-Head
Leinster have won their last four matches in a row against the Sharks with the Sharks last beating them back in 2022. The last match between the two sides in Dublin saw Leinster win 34-13.
Betting
Leinster 1.01
Draw 46.00
Sharks 25.00
Handicap: Leinster -26.5
Verdict
Although Leinster have lost their first two matches in a row, them returning to play at home often means they return to playing their strongest side. The Sharks are yet to win a match and I think they will find it tough against a strong Leinster side in Dublin this weekend. That being said the handicap looks high as the Sharks have also called on some Bok reinforcements.
I think the Sharks can keep things tight in the 1st half and stay within a score.
Suggested Bet: 1st half winning margin, Leinster by 1-7 points at 4.25
Ulster v Vodacom Bulls
Ulster are another side who have only played one match this season. They hosted the Dragons in Round 1 with a solid win. The match ended 42-21 which was in line with how the bookies priced the game up.
The Bulls had the perfect start to the season, beating the Ospreys 53-40 in Round 1 and Leinster 39-31 in Round 2, both matches at home. They have welcomed a few Bok players to their squad and will be looking for a strong start to their tour.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met four times since 2022 with the Bulls winning 3 of the matches. The last time the sides met in Belfast, Ulster won the match 26-19.
Betting
Ulster 3.15
Draw 18.00
Bulls 1.47
Handicap: Ulster +5.5
Verdict
The Bulls will be heading on their first tour of the season with confidence, but they know how tough it can be to get wins away from home in the URC, especially against teams like Ulster. Ulster are heading into the match after a nice rest and confident after their first win. I think the home ground advantage will definitely come into play this weekend and help Ulster beat the Bulls.
Suggested Bet: Ulster win at 3.15
For betting go to www.wsb.co.za
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
