Covid-enforced schedule re-jigging sees another shortened round of fixtures, with four games set to keep URC fans happy this weekend.
Friday 11 February
To Win Match
Leinster 1/12 | Draw 33/1 | Edinburgh 13/2 (20:00)
Handicap
Leinster (-16.5) 17/20 | Edinburgh (+17.5) 17/20
The clash of the round sees fourth-placed Leinster host second-placed Edinburgh at the RDS. Just URC four-log points separate the sides heading into this one, though the Scottish outfit have played a game more. This will be a proper litmus test for Mike Blair’s team, whose title credentials will be properly judged on the basis of their performance against the might Leinstermen here. The Scots should put in a good shift but ultimately go down fighting.
To Win Match (22:15)
Glasgow 82/100 | Draw 21/1 | Munster 21/20
In another epic on Friday, Glasgow welcome Munster to the Scotstoun. The Warriors are third on 31-points having played a game more than the fifth-placed Munstermen (29-points). The Red Army can ill-afford a slip-up with clashes against Edinburgh and the Bulls on the horizon. This fact, coupled with their fantastic recent form (P4, W4) means they could upset Glasgow here.
Saturday 12 February
To Win Match
Lions 2/1 | Draw 22/1 | Stormers 4/10 (15:00)
The Lions will look to pick up their first win in four games when they host the Stormers at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday. Cash van Rooyen’s side sit 14th and are desperate for a positive result here, especially considering they next face Leinster in Dublin. The Capetonians did fantastically to draw and then beat the Sharks on consecutive weekends, but the hosts’ sheer desperation may bring that good run to a close. I’ll have a tentative punt on the Lions here. They really do have a talented side that will give the Stormers a good run at altitude.
To Win Match
Bulls 6/10 | Draw 22/1 | Sharks 14/10 (17:05)
The red-hot Bulls tackle an underperforming Sharks outfit at Loftus on Saturday. The hosts were dominant in their two wins over the Lions and seem to have picked up a good head of steam, which could spell bad news for the Durbanites. Sean Everitt’s side flattered to deceive in their twin fixtures with the Stormers and alarm bells will be ringing soon if they don’t gain some kind of momentum. Unfortunately for them, they could be outmuscled at the Bullring.
