After 4 weeks of playing overseas opposition the South African URC teams get back into derby mode this weekend and we take a look at both matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the latest betting in the United Rugby Championship where Leinster are 9/20 favourites ahead of fellow Irish teams, Munster and Ulster at 6/1. Scottish outfit, Glasgow Warriors are 18/1 and the South African teams Stormers, Bulls and Sharks are all priced at 20/1.
Click here for the latest United Rugby Championship Outright Winner Betting
STORMERS v BLUE BULLS
The Stormers currently sit 6th on the URC log, 1 point and 1 position above the Bulls so this is a crucial match when it comes to securing a playoff spot.
The Stormers won all 4 of their home matches in the recent weeks and last weekend they were too strong for the Ospreys, beating them by 16 points in Cape Town. Previous wins had come over Zebre, Cardiff and Ulster although the latter was somewhat controversial and perhaps fortunate.
The Bulls were shaky starters last week at home to Ulster, but they pulled clear to win by 18 points and pick up a bonus point win. They have been rampant in the weeks leading up to that match hammering both the Dragons and Scarlets while making hard work of Munster who they let back into the game in the second-half.
These sides met at Loftus earlier in the campaign with the Stormers coming out victors 30-26.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Stormers 15/20
Draw 25/1
Blue Bulls 13/10
Handicap: Stormers -1.5
Suggested Bet: Stormers win at 15/20
This should be an excellent game between two sides who really are playing well. I have been particularly impressed by the turnaround in the Stormers fortunes though and think home ground advantage will pull them through here.
THE SHARKS v LIONS
The Sharks are currently 8th on the log and they play against the Lions in 12th, 11 points behind them without any hope of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
The Sharks easily covered the 26 point handicap against the Dragons at home last week winning by 48 points in Durban, but the week before they were disappointing in going down to Edinburgh at home, meaning they finished with 3 wins from 4 against overseas opposition having beaten Zebre and Scarlets in previous games.
The Lions have won all 4 of their home matches and last week they snuffed out Edinburgh with a strong defensive performance winning 15-9. They previously had few troubles beating the Ospreys by 30, but their best performance was possibly the come from behind 23-21 over Munster.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sharks 1/4
Draw 25/1
Lions 15/4
Handicap: Sharks -9.5
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Sharks by 1-7 points inclusive at 16/5
This Lions side has really tightened up on their defence and this Sharks side haven’t been particularly impressive bar that big victory against a weak Dragons side. I think we are in for a tight one with the home team shading it.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
