After the disappointment of last weekend South African fans can watch their teams in action this week and we take a look at the betting in the two local derbies in the United Rugby Championships.
FRIDAY
SHARKS v BULLS
The Sharks only victory in their 4 matches in Europe came at the Ospreys where they won 27-13. They had previously lost to Glasgow and Munster and were a bit disappointing in their final match going down by 6 points to Cardiff.
The Bulls European campaign began poorly with heavy defeats to Leinster and Connacht before a come from behind win against Cardiff. They were then fancied to beat Edinburgh in their final game, but went down by 7 points in a low scoring encounter.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sharks 13/20
Draw 25/1
Bulls 14/10
Handicap: Sharks (-3.5) at 9/10, Bulls (+3.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Tribet, any other result at 5/2
I am expecting a close game and with this bet I need either side to win by 6 points or less or the game to be drawn and looking at these teams I think there is every chance that we get a game which finishes within 1 score.
SATURDAY
STORMERS v LIONS
The Stormers came out of Europe with the best record of the South African teams with 1 victory and 1 draw out of their 4 matches. Their win came in their final game away at the Dragons and their draw came against Edinburgh in Round 3. They were well beaten by Munster 34-18 despite putting up some early resistance and in their opening match they were a bit disappointing in going down by 4 points at Benetton.
The Lions opened their campaign with a high scoring 38-26 win over Zebre, but they were then well beaten by the Scarlets, lost narrowly to the Glasgow Warriors before taking a 16 point beating at the hands of Ulster.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Stormers 2/11
Draw 33/1
Lions 9/2
Handicap: Stormers (-10.5) at 9/10, Lions (+10.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Lions (+10.5) at 9/10
I like the side the Lions are putting out and the Stormers are the sort of team that tend to do just what is necessary to get the job done. There are no prices yet, but the Stormers 1-12 at around 16/10 would also be an option for those not keen on the handicap play.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
