Round 12 of the United Rugby Championship arrives at a critical point in the season, with the race for playoff positions hotting up. In this blog we will keep an eye on all things betting related.
Bet: Bulls v Sharks
Posted 28 Feb 09h37
3 units Sharks over 20.5 points at 0.84/1 at Pokerbet
This is my URC bet of the weekend. Conditions should be good at Loftus and I quite like the team the Sharks have selected. I considered the +12.5 and even Sharks on the board but their bench is a bit of a worry.
The total points line is 57.5 and I am leaning overs but my preference is for the visitors points.
Bet: Lions v Stormers
Posted 28 Feb 09h07
2 units (1-5) over 53.5 points at 0.89/1 at Pokerbet
I have seen quite a bit of support for the Lions but the line has been pretty stable at Stormers -5.5.
Total points is 53.5 and while it is overcast in Joburg conditions should be good and I am happy to hop on the overs at this line.
Focusing on the SA Derbies
Posted 28 Feb 08h55
Thank goodness my overs play in the Cardiff game was a fixed odds and not a spread bet. 15 points in the match, wow conditions must have been a lot worse than I thought (I couldn't watch).
My rugby focus today is on the local derbies and I may have a bet in the Dragons game.
The Lions are +5.5 at home to the Stormers with a points line of 53.5
The Bulls are -13.5 against the Sharks with a points line of 57.5
Plenty to think about
Bet: Cardiff v Leinster
Posted 27 Feb 08h55
2 units (1–5) – Over 41.5 points at 0.93/1 at BetXchange
There has been money for Cardiff, with Leinster naming what looks very much like a B-side, although the hosts are also missing a few key players to the Six Nations. The handicap has moved from Cardiff +10.5 into +5.5, but it’s the total points that catches my eye.
The points line sits at 41.5, which feels low. Rain is forecast throughout the day, but conditions are expected to improve later this evening and the game is on an artificial surface, which should help with tempo and handling. At this number, I can’t resist an overs play.
The other fixture tonight sees Edinburgh host Scarlets. The home side are -12.5 with the points at 45.5 in what looks like similar weather conditions. I won’t be getting involved in that one.
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Round 12 Weather
Posted 27 Feb 07h51
Below are the current weather forecasts, please double check before placing any weather related bets
Cardiff v Leinster - 9 degrees, drizzle throughout day but should be light or clear during match, humidity mid 80's
Edinburgh v Scarlets - 5 degrees, drizzle all day and into game, humidity late 90's
Lions v Stormers - 26 degrees, possible rain overnight but clearing early, overcast but dry, humidity in 40's
Bulls v Sharks - 28 degrees, cloudy, humidity in 40's
Connacht v Glasgow - 9 degrees, drizzle, humidity early 80's
Munster v Zebre - 8 degrees, overcast with possible showers, humidity late 80's
Dragons v Benetton - 6 degrees, cloudy, some rain before the game, humidity mid 80's
Ospreys v Ulster - 5 degrees, cloudy with chance of rain, humidity in high 70's
Betting Update
Posted 25 Feb 2034
Here are the latest handicaps with movements noted - not much to report
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Cardiff Rugby +7.5 (opened +9.5) → 2-point move toward Leinster
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Edinburgh -12.5 (opened -12.5) → No change
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Lions +5.5 (opened +4.5) → 1-point move toward Lions
-
Connacht Rugby -3.5 (opened -2.5) → 1-point move toward Connacht
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Bulls -10.5 (opened -9.5) → 1-point move toward Bulls
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Munster -23.5 (opened -23.5) → No change
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Dragons +1.5 (opened +1.5) → No change
-
Ospreys +6.5 (opened +5.5) → 1-point move toward Ulster
Round 12 early handicaps
Posted 23 Feb 19h44
Below are the early lines
Cardiff Rugby (+9.5) v Leinster
Edinburgh (-12.5) v Scarlets
Lions (+4.5) v Stormers
Connacht Rugby (-2.5) v Glasgow Warriors
Bulls (-9.5) v Sharks
Munster (-23.5) v Zebre
Dragons (+1.5) v Benetton
Ospreys (+5.5) v Ulster Rugby
Round 12 Fixtures
Posted 22 Feb 11h05
This weekend features a strong mix of cross-border clashes and crucial domestic derbies, with several teams needing points urgently to keep their postseason ambitions alive.
Cardiff Rugby v Leinster
Edinburgh v Scarlets
Lions v Stormers
Bulls v Sharks
Connacht v Glasgow Warriors
Munster v Zebre Parma
Dragons RFC v Benetton
Ospreys v Ulster
Table Update
There was just the one make up match this past weekend and the Lions beat the Sharks 34-22 landing our bet of over 51.5 points.
Glasgow Warriors continue to set the pace at the top of the table, leading the competition on 44 points after winning nine of their 11 matches. Leinster are their closest challengers on 40 points
The South African challenge is being led by the Stormers, who are locked together on 36 points with Ulster, just ahead of Cardiff Rugby and Munster, who complete a tightly packed group chasing home playoff spots.
The Lions have moved themselves firmly back into contention, climbing into seventh on 29 points, while the Bulls, Ospreys and Sharks are all clustered around the top eight, separated by a single point. With only a handful of rounds remaining, one good or bad weekend could dramatically reshape the standings.
At the foot of the table, Scarlets, Dragons and Zebre needs a strong run to avoid being cut adrift.
