Our preview of the United Rugby Championship zones in on the two South African derbies which we look at from a betting angle.
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LIONS v BULLS
The Lions put up a brave performance against the Sharks last week going down 47-37 and although it was quite a convincing win for the Sharks in the end, the Lions did fight back in the second-half. Back in December they caused an upset when they beat the Stormers 37-19 away from home and the Lions currently sit 3rd in the SA Shield.
The Bulls were well backed last week, but they were beaten 30-26 by the Stormers having started the match 7 point favourites. The Stormers were on top early racing into an 18-0 lead, but the Bulls took control of the game and appeared to be coasting to victory only for some late drama as the Stormers scored a try in the last 10 minutes to win to break Bulls punters hearts. It was the second successive loss for the Bulls in local derbies having lost to the Sharks by 14 points in Durban and despite being the shortest price of the South African sides at the start of the season they currently sit bottom of the SA Shield.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Lions 4/1
Draw 28/1
Bulls 2/9
Handicap: Lions (+10.5) at 17/20, Bulls (-10.5) at 19/20
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls (-10.5) at 19/20
The Bulls were disappointing last week, but I am expecting a stronger performance from them and no doubt Jake White has cracked the whip during the week.
While the Lions fought gallantly against the Sharks they lack depth and I think they could find themselves on the wrong end of a double figure beating here
SHARKS v STORMERS
The Sharks are now topping the South African Shield, 2 points ahead of the Stormers and the Lions. There was plenty of money for the Sharks last weekend and although they wobbled in the second half they delivered for handicap backers winning by 10 points in a match that had 84 points in total. The Sharks now return to Durban where they beat the Bulls 30-16 back in December and they have now won 3 and lost 3 matches in this Tournament so far.
The Stormers showed plenty of guts last week when they came back to win the game despite trailing by 8 points in the second-half. What made it more impressive was that the Bulls had all the momentum having come from a big deficit to take the lead and the Stormers will be confident heading to Durban this weekend.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sharks 4/9
Draw 22/1
Stormers 9/4
Handicap: Sharks (-5.5) at 9/10, Stormers (+5.5) at 19/20
Suggested Bet: Handicap, the Sharks (-5.5) at 9/10
The Sharks won well last week despite being a little bit rusty and although the Stormers will have their tails up heading into this encounter I can only see one result and that is a comfortable Sharks win.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
