We take a look at the 4 URC quarter-finals taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each of them.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where Leinster are strong favourites at 4/10 to take the title ahead of the Stormers and Ulster both trading at 8/1. You can get 10/1 Munster and 16/1 and better the balance.
Click here for URC Outright Betting
FRIDAY
ULSTER v MUNSTER
Ulster finished 3rd on the log with 12 wins and 6 losses in their 18 matches and their final game was a 24-21 home win over the Sharks a match where they appeared well in control only to let the Sharks back in near the end.
Munster were disappointing last time out when they were well backed to beat Leinster who were missing a number of key players. They lost the game 35-25 on the road though and ended up slipping to 6th on the table.
These sides met at Ulster in April with Munster coming out 24-17 victors and Munster also won at home 18-13 in January.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Ulster 8/11
Draw 20/1
Munster 27/20
Handicap: Ulster -2.5
Suggested Bet: Ulster over 22.5 points at 9/10
I have been impressed with Ulster this season and I think they can get amongst the points against a Munster side that has blown a bit hot and cold of late.
SATURDAY
BLUE BULLS v SHARKS
The Bulls finished with 11 wins in their 18 matches ending up 4th on the table which gives them home ground advantage of the Sharks who finished a point further behind in 5th also with 11 wins. The Bulls finished their season with a 38-31 victory over the Ospreys on the road, but despite a late comeback against Ulster the Sharks came up short, losing by 3 points a result that cost them a Top 4 place.
The Sharks did the double over the Bulls in the regular season beating them by 14 points in Durban and 7 points in Pretoria.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blue Bulls 8/15
Draw 22/1
Sharks 19/10
Handicap: Blue Bulls -4.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap Blue Bulls -4.5 at 10/11
This should be a tight game, but I expect the Bulls to weather an early Sharks storm before pulling clear to win by 5 points or more
LEINSTER v GLASGOW
Leinster will have to overcome the disappointment of losing in the Heineken Champions Cup Final last week, a game where they started double digit favourites against La Rochelle. They have looked virtually unstoppable in the URC though and top the table 6 points ahead of the Stormers with 13 wins and 5 losses. Leinster beat Munster by 10 points at home last time out despite fielding a weakened side and they were also very competitive when in South Africa with a lot of their Academy players.
Glasgow finished 8th on the log with 10 wins and 8 defeats in their season, but they were disappointing last time out in going down 28-11 at Edinburgh.
These sides met in Glasgow in October of last year with Leinster winning 31-15 and Leinster won by 19 points the last time they met in Ireland.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Leinster 1/12
Draw 40/1
Glasgow 9/1
Handicap: Leinster -16.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Leinster (-16.5) at 9/10
I am a bit worried about Leinster’s mental state after their defeat to La Rochelle, but Glasgow are a poor team on the road and Leinster should have too much class.
STORMERS v EDINBURGH
The Stormers finished 2nd on the table with 12 wins in 18 starts. The Stormers faced a tricky task away to the Scarlets last time out, but won 26-21, their 8th consecutive victory in the Tournament.
Edinburgh finished their season on a high beating Glasgow 28-11 at home, but they have been hit and miss of late winning 4 and drawing 3 of their last 7 games. They were very impressive in South Africa though going down by 6 points to the Lions, but beating the Sharks by 16 points in Durban.
These sides played out a 20-20 draw in Edinburgh back in October.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Stormers 2/7
Draw 28/1
Edinburgh 33/10
Handicap: Stormers -9.5
Suggested Bet: Stormers -9.5 at 9/10
I expect the Stormers packs to take control of this game at some point and they can continue their impressive run of victories.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
