Round 2 of the United Rugby Championship is here, and all four South African sides are back in action this weekend looking to build on an excellent opening round.
The Stormers, Lions, Sharks and Bulls all picked up wins, with the Bulls particularly impressive in a 47-13 victory over Zebre. This week, the Stormers and Bulls remain on the road, while the Lions and Sharks are once again at home. With plenty of intriguing head-to-head history across the weekend, here is our Round 2 betting preview of the South African sides.
FRIDAY
Edinburgh v Stormers — Click here to bet
Edinburgh got off to a great start last weekend as they beat Ulster 34-29 away from home in a real try-fest. The Stormers also started their campaign on the right foot with a 29-15 win over Connacht in Galway.
Although the Stormers hold a 4-1 advantage over the last five meetings, home advantage has been decisive. The Stormers hosted four of those matches and won them all, while Edinburgh won the only game played in Scotland, beating the Stormers 38-7 in October 2024.
The bookmakers have Edinburgh as 1.49 favourites, with the Stormers at 3.00 and the draw at 22.00.
Handicap: Edinburgh -4.5
Both teams looked strong in the opening round, but the Stormers face a much tougher assignment away from home. Edinburgh are unbeaten in their two home meetings with the Stormers, including a commanding 38-7 victory in October 2024, and I think they can cover the relatively small handicap
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Edinburgh [-4.5] at 1.87.
SATURDAY
Lions v Ospreys — Click here to bet
The Lions hosted defending champions Leinster last weekend and pulled off an impressive 27-26 victory. The Ospreys, on the other hand, endured a difficult start as they suffered a 41-24 defeat against the Sharks.
Interestingly, the Lions have struggled against the Ospreys in recent meetings. They have recorded one win, three defeats and a draw in the last five, although their sole victory was a 29-28 win when the sides last met in Johannesburg.
The Lions are 1.22 favourites, with the Ospreys at 5.00 and the Draw 29.00
Handicap: Lions -10.5
The Ospreys arrive on the back of a disappointing defeat, while the Lions looked strong against Leinster, and I think the hosts can cover the -10.5 handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Lions [-10.5] at 1.95
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Sharks v Leinster — Click here to bet
The Sharks opened their season on the right foot with a solid bonus point win over the Ospreys last weekend. The match ended 41-24. Leinster opened their campaign against the Lions and put up a good fight but came up short losing the match 27-26.
Leinster have dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning each of the last five meetings between the sides. The most recent encounter took place at Kings Park, where Leinster won 10-7.
Leinster are favourites going into this weekend’s game and are trading at 1.38 while the Sharks are trading at 3.50 for the win.
Handicap: Sharks +6.5
Leinster struggled against the Lions with a young squad last weekend, while the Sharks opened with a convincing bonus-point victory and will have home advantage. At the price, I am prepared to take a small interest in the Sharks causing an upset.
Suggested Bet: Sharks to win at 3.50
Munster v Bulls — Click here to bet
Munster hosted Glasgow Warriors in the opening round and suffered a 26-20 defeat. The Bulls, on the other hand, made an excellent start by running in plenty of tries in a 47-13 away win over Zebre.
The head-to-head record is tightly contested, with the Bulls winning three of the last five meetings and Munster winning two. The Bulls have won the three most recent encounters, including a 16-13 victory when the sides last met in Limerick.
Munster are 1.65 favourites, while the Bulls are 2.50 for the win.
Handicap: Munster -2.5
Given the Bulls’ recent record against Munster and the contrasting performances of the teams in Round 1, I would not be surprised to see them win in Limerick again.
Suggested Bet: Bulls to win at 2.50.
Note: This preview is written before the teams are announced so look out for fluctuations after the announcements.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+. Gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose.
