There has been no shortage of local rugby derbies of late and we get another two in the United Rugby Championship this weekend. We take a look at the games from a betting angle.
LIONS v STORMERS
The Lions beat the Stormers away in December, but since then they have lost to the Bulls at home and also on the road. Last week’s performance at Loftus was at least an improvement and they went down 21-13 having taken a hammering from the Bulls the week before.
The Stormers are sitting pretty at the top of the South African Shield and having lost to the Lions in December they bounced back with victories over the Bulls away before drawing to the Sharks in Durban and then beating them quite comfortably in Cape Town last week.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Lions 21/10
Draw 25/1
Stormers 40/85
Handicap: Lions (+5.5)
Suggested Bet: Lions win at 21/10
I think this price is a bit big on the home side as while the Stormers have been impressive they don’t strike me as a side that is going to be overly consistent and I was impressed with the Lions at Loftus suggesting that the players are starting to respond to the coaching staff urgings.
BLUE BULLS v THE SHARKS
The Bulls have got their campaign back on track after successive victories away at and at home to the Lions. They were made to work hard last weekend though eventually winning 21-13 in a low scoring encounter which can perhaps be blamed on the fact that there was plenty of rain in the week and for that matter the night before.
The Bulls had lost to the Stormers at home earlier in the season but they were beaten by the Sharks 30-16 when they met down in Durban in December.
The Sharks were a big disappointment for punters last week and they were well backed to beat the Stormers side, but eventually got beaten 20-10 and really failed to trouble the home team. That must have hurt especially given that a week before they looked in control of the game against the Stormers in Durban only to blow a 14 point lead to allow the Stormers back in for the draw.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Bulls 4/7
Draw 20/1
The Sharks 18/10
Handicap: Bulls (-4.5)
Suggested Bet: Halftime/Fulltime, Blue Bulls/Blue Bulls at 1/1
It is really hard to know what to make of the Sharks side, but they were absolutely poor last week in Cape Town and anything like that level of performance should be a comfortable Bulls win. I am taking the Bulls to start quickly and to keep their foot on the accelerator.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
