Round 5 of the United Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend with all four South African franchises in action once again. Momentum is beginning to build across the competition, and from a betting perspective there are some intriguing opportunities on offer. Let’s take a closer look at the key fixtures.
FRIDAY
Glasgow Warriors v Vodacom Bulls – Click here to bet
Glasgow come into this fixture in red-hot form after two emphatic wins: a 49-0 demolition of the Dragons in Round 3 and a 42-17 away victory over the Ospreys in Round 4. The Bulls, meanwhile, edged Connacht 28-27 in Galway last weekend, bouncing back from a loss to Ulster the week before.
Head-to-Head:
The Bulls have won three of the last five meetings, including the most recent clash in Glasgow (26-19).
Betting:
- Glasgow 1.31 | Bulls 4.00 | Draw 23.00
Verdict:
While the Bulls showed character to scrape past Connacht, Glasgow look a cut above at the moment and should extend their winning run comfortably at home.
- Suggested Bet: Handicap – Glasgow [-8.5] at 1.93
SATURDAY
Lions v Ulster – Click here to bet
The Lions finally broke their duck last week with a 29-18 home win over the Scarlets, while Ulster continued their superb start, winning their first three matches – including a 34-26 victory against the Sharks in Durban last week.
Head-to-Head:
The Lions shocked Ulster 35-22 in Johannesburg last season – their first ever win against the Irish side – but Ulster had won the previous three.
Betting:
- Ulster 1.77 | Lions 2.30 | Draw 18.00
Verdict:
Ulster are looking sharp and confident after their Durban win. With momentum firmly on their side, they look the value to edge the Lions away from home.
- Suggested Bet: Handicap – Ulster [-1.5] at 1.87
Sharks v Scarlets – Click here to bet
Both sides are desperate for a first win of the season. The Sharks lost 34-26 to Ulster in Durban last week, while the Scarlets’ brutal fixture list continued with a 29-18 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Head-to-Head:
The Sharks have won three of the last four, including a 12-3 win in Durban earlier this year.
Betting:
- Sharks 1.06 | Scarlets 13.00 | Draw 36.00
Verdict:
The Sharks are rightly favourites, but given both teams are winless, the handicap looks inflated. The Scarlets showed fight against the Lions and could keep this closer than the market suggests.
- Suggested Bet: Handicap – Scarlets [+18.5] at 1.91
Benetton v Stormers – Click here to bet
Benetton have enjoyed a steady start, winning twice at home (against Glasgow and the Lions) while losing both away games. The Stormers remain unbeaten with four wins from four, including a 31-13 victory over Zebre last weekend.
Head-to-Head:
Since 2021, the sides have met four times, with each winning twice – all victories coming on home soil. The Stormers hammered Benetton 56-5 in Cape Town in their most recent clash, but crucially they have never beaten Benetton in Italy.
Betting:
- Stormers 1.63 | Benetton 2.60 | Draw 19.00
Verdict:
Benetton at home are always dangerous, and the Stormers are at the end of a long European tour. With the Italians fresh and buoyed by their home record, this looks a prime spot for an upset.
- Suggested Bet: Benetton to win at 2.60
Click here for betting on all the weekends URC matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
