Round 4 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship gets underway this weekend with all four South African franchises in action. The Bulls and Stormers continue their overseas tours, while the Lions and Sharks return home to host fixtures. We’ll be taking a closer look at each of these matchups from a betting perspective and highlighting a few suggested plays along the way.
FRIDAY
Connacht v Vodacom Bulls – Click here to bet
Connacht got their season off to a good start as they beat Benetton 26-15 at home but fell short in their second match losing 14-8 to Cardiff away from home last weekend. The Bulls also got their campaign off to a strong start as they beat the Ospreys 53-40 in Round 1 and then Leinster 39-31 in Round 2, both at home. They are, however, coming off the back of a 28-7 away loss to Ulster last weekend.
Head-to-Head
The last time Connacht beat the Bulls was back in 2021 where they won 34-7 at home. The Bulls have won three times in a row since then with the most recent match ending 14-28 in Connacht.
Betting
- Connacht: 2.00
- Bulls: 2.00
- Draw: 18.00
Verdict
Despite their away defeat to Ulster, the Bulls’ recent dominance over Connacht suggests they can bounce back here.
Suggested Bet: Bulls to win at 1.87
Last Leg Bad Luck!
Scratched/Voided markets do not count towards Leg count.
Pre-match bets only.
Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the game finishing.
Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days.
Max refund per account per day in Free Bets:
Free Bets terms and conditions apply.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Last Leg Promo or, present your ticket to your branch manager within 24 hours of the game finishing.
SATURDAY
Lions v Scarlets – Click here to bet
The Lions have endured a tough start to the season, losing all three matches on tour. Their most recent outing ended in a heavy 41-15 defeat to Benetton. The Scarlets have also struggled, losing both of their opening games, including a humbling 34-0 home defeat to the Stormers last weekend.
Head-to-Head
In the last four encounters between the two teams, both sides have won twice. Last season’s match between the two sides saw the Scarlets pull off a brilliant win in Johannesburg, with the match ending 19-32.
Betting
- Lions: 1.21
- Scarlets: 5.75
- Draw: 22.00
Verdict
Both sides are desperate for their first win of the campaign. The Lions, however, will be buoyed by a return to Ellis Park, and home advantage should tilt things in their favour.
Suggested Bet: Lions -10.5 at 1.87
Sharks v Ulster – Click here to bet
The Sharks are yet to win a match this season. They have managed to draw one match while losing the other two. Their match against Leinster last weekend away from home saw them lose 31-5. Ulster on the other hand have got off to a solid start, winning their opening match against the Dragons and following that up with a 28-7 win against the Bulls last weekend.
Head-to-Head
The Sharks have won their last two matches against Ulster with Ulster winning the two before that. Last year’s match saw the Sharks win the match 19-22 away from home.
Betting
- Sharks: 1.21
- Ulster: 5.50
- Draw: 22.00
Verdict
While the Sharks are strong favourites on home soil, fatigue could play a role after their travels. Ulster, fresh and in form, look capable of springing a surprise.
Suggested Bet: Ulster to win at 5.50
Zebre v Stormers – Click here to bet
Zebre had a brilliant start to their campaign winning their opening two matches but fell short against the Ospreys last weekend, losing the match 24-0 on the road. The Stormers have had the perfect start to the season, winning their first three in a row while only conceding 10 points. Their match last weekend saw them win 0-34 against the Scarlets away from home.
Head-to-Head
In the last four matches between the two sides, the Stormers have won all of them. The most recent fixture saw them win 5-36 away from home last year.
Betting
- Stormers: 1.18
- Zebre: 6.50
- Draw: 23.00
Verdict
The Stormers have shown they can travel well and still produce commanding performances. Given their current form, they should be far too strong for Zebre.
Suggested Bet: Stormers -11.5 at 1.91
Click here for betting on all the weekends URC matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
