With the international break over, the Vodacom United Rugby Championship returns this weekend for week 7.
All four South African sides will play on Saturday and we look at those matches from a betting angle and share some potential bets.
First, let’s take a look at the outright betting where Leinster are the favourites at 1.62 followed by the Blue Bulls at 6.00 with Munster and Glasgow both trading at 9.00 and you can get 13.00 and better the balance of the teams.
Click here for URC Outright Betting
Sharks v Stormers – Click here to bet
The Sharks have won three of their last five matches in the URC with the most recent result being a 41-24 win against Munster in October. They currently sit 9th on the log just outside the playoff spots.
The Stormers have only managed to win two of their last five matches with the most recent result being a 17-28 loss to the Glasgow Warriors at home. They are down in 13th on the table 5 points behind the Sharks.
Both teams are under pressure to get the victory to avoid putting themselves under early pressure.
Head-to-Head
As surprising as it may seem the Stormers have won their last five matches against the Sharks in the URC with the most recent result between the two sides being a 21-25 win for the Stormers in Durban earlier this year.
Betting and Verdict
The Sharks are favorites to win this weekend and are trading at 1.25 while the Stormers are 4.75 and the draw is 26.00.
Looking at recent results the Stormers always manage to pull off good results against the Sharks even when they play in Durban. Although the Sharks have been the better team this season I think the Stormers can push them.
Handicap: Stormers [+9.5]
BET: Handicap, Stormers [+9.5] at 1.95.
Connacht v Bulls – Click here to bet
Connacht have won three of their last five matches with 2 losses coming against Leinster and Ulster and they sit 5th on the log. Their most recent result was against the Dragons where they won 31-7 at home.
The Bulls have won four of their last five matches with their most recent result being a 15-17 win against Benetton in Italy. They are 3rd on the log, a point ahead of Connacht having played a game less.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have played each other three times over the last three years. The Bulls have won the most recent 2 fixtures which were both played in Pretoria while Connacht won the 1st fixture which was played in Galway.
Betting and Verdict
The Bulls are favorites to win and are trading at 1.65 while Connacht are trading at 2.55 and the draw is 26.00.
Although the Bulls are favourites to win the match, Galway is never an easy place to get a result. Connacht have a big opportunity this weekend and I can see them taking advantage of it.
Handicap: Connacht [+2.5]
BET: Connacht to win at 2.55.
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Munster v Lions – Click here to bet
Munster have lost three of their last four matches in the URC, however, it must be taken into consideration that this includes two matches on tour in South Africa and a local Derby against top of the table side, Leinster. They are 12th on the log.
The Lions have won four of their last five matches in the URC. Their most recent result was a 24-6 loss to Leinster in October, their 1st defeat of the season. They are 4th on the log and have played a game less than the 4 teams directly behind them.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met three times in the URC with Munster winning the two most recent fixtures home and away and the Lions winning in Johannesburg in 2022.
Betting and Verdict
Munster are favourites to win and are trading at 1.35 while the Lions are trading at 3.70 and the draw is 23.00.
The Lions have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with this year and will be eager to prove a point as they head to Limerick on Saturday. I can see them giving Munster a run for their money and it being a much closer encounter than some might expect.
Handicap: Lions [+7.5]
BET: Handicap, Lions [+7.5] at 1.85.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
