PREVIEW: 2023/24 URC – Round 12

The URC returns after the conclusion of the Six Nations with a full set of fixtures. Three of the four South African sides look good value for money this weekend while it could a long old weekend for the four Welsh regions. Shaun Goosen previews the weekend’s action. 

Friday 22 March

Glasgow 1/12 | Draw 28/1 | Cardiff 13/2 (21:35)

Handicap
Glashow (-16.5) 17/20 | Cardiff (+16.5) 17/20

The Warriors are having a campaign for the ages and remain well-placed to host a quarter-final post-season. Sitting third level on points (40) with the Bulls ahead of this one, Franco Smith’s charges will be eyeing a bonus-point win to maintain the pressure on the Pretoria side and stave off the chasing pack.

Cardiff occupy 12th after having had another rough time of it in the league, winning just three times to date. This is the first in a stretch of three straight away games for the men from the Welsh capital, and coming away from the Scotstoun with something in the way of log points will be a massive boost.

Verdict: Cardiff (+16.5) 17/20

This is a big handicap. There is no doubt a gulf in class here, however, neither side have played in a few weeks so I’m leaning toward Cardiff on the plus as teh Warriors try to click back into gear. 

Ospreys 24/10 | Draw 22/1 | Munster 7/20 (21:35)

Handicap
Ospreys (+6.5) 17/20 | Munster (-6.5) 17/20

Ospreys face a stern test in the form of a Munster outfit picking up momentum in the race for the play-offs. The Swansea side are 10th, just two points adrift of the top eight and can make a big statement with a win over the defending champions.

After picking up big wins over Scarlets and Zebre, the Red Army are starting to click and should be too hot for Ospreys to handle on Friday.

Verdict: Munster 7/20

I’m going Munster on the board here. Definitely one to fatten up some of those weekend multiples. 

Saturday 23 March

Hollywoodbets Sharks 12/10 | Draw 25/1 | Ulster 72/100 (15:00)

Handicap
Hollywoodbets Sharks (+2.5) 17/20 | Ulster (-2.5) 17/20

With what Eben Etzebeth describes as the side’s “strongest XV of the season” the Sharks will be determined to knock over a very good Ulster lineup at The Tank. With so many Springboks back and typical hot, humid conditions expected, John Plumtree’s men should do the business here.

Ulster could be on the receiving end of a rejuvenated Sharks display on Saturday. They’ll have their moments, particularly at the set piece, but the hosts should take it at home.

Verdict: Sharks 12/10

With the pressure off and near fully-fit Springbok battery, I’m backing the Hollywoodbets Shakrs to win on the board. 

Scarlets 13/10 | Draw 22/1 | Benetton 13/20 (17:00)

Handicap
Scarlets (+2.5) 17/20 | Benetton (-2.5) 17/20

14th-placed Scarlets are just two points off the bottom and remain in real danger of finishing last if they don’t arrest their current eight-game losing streak. They haven’t won all year and given the way Benetton have played at times, that may not change come the end of the weekend.

The Italian side may be coming off two losses but should be back and refocused for this one.

Verdict: Benetton 13/20

Italian rugby is in a pretty good place at the moment. Benetton look decent value to resign the Scarlets to their ninth loss on the spin here. 

Stormers 1/7 | Draw 25/1 | Edinburgh 48/10 (17:05)

Handicap
Stormers (-13.5) 17/20 | Edinburgh (+13.5) 17/20

The Stormers lie ninth and, despite being just four points off the top four, face an uphill battle if they are to qualify for a home quarter-final. John Dobson’s side are back at home on Saturday after a string of away games and must beat Edinburgh this weekend to advance their title ambitions.

Sean Everitt’s men are fourth after enjoying a highly successful campaign to date but risk falling behind with a loss in the Cape such is the competitiveness of the URC. As well as they’ve been playing, they won’t find it easy at Greenpoint.

Verdict: Edinburgh (+13.5) 17/20

The Scottish side should just about manage to keep within this double-digit handicap. 

Connacht 2/7 | Draw 22/1 | Lions 28/10 (19:15)

Handicap 
Connacht (-9.5) 17/20 | Lions (+9.5) 17/20

Connacht are four places and just four points ahead of their opponents this week on the URC log. The Westerners are seventh, jostling right in the thick of the playoff fight and their home support could give them just the edge they need to see off the Joburgers here.

The Lions have been terrific of late but winning in Galway is an entirely unique challenge and one that could be just out of this young side’s reach.

Verdict: Connacht (-9.5) 17/20

The Lions have impressed this season, but keeping within the handicap at the Galway might be just out of their reach. 

Dragons 52/10 | Draw 28/1 | Bulls 2/15 (21:35)

Handicap 
Dragons (+13.5) 17/20 | Bulls (-13.5) 17/20

Dragons languish in 15th after collecting just two wins this season. Theirs is a squad lacking in any real depth in quality and while they will have a great shot at claiming the scalp of Zebre at home in round 13, the Bulls are just too powerful.

It’s difficult seeing the men in blue take anything but a full five log points from their trip to Rodney Parade. Lying second overall with big ambitions, they won’t slip up here.

Verdict: Bulls (-13.5) 17/20

This is as close to a handicap banker as you’re going to get this weekend. Definitely one of the multiples. 

Zebre 9/1 | Draw 40/1 | Leinster 1/25 (21:35)

Handicap
Zebre (+19.5) 17/20 | Leinster (-19.5) 17/20

Much like the Dragons/ Bulls game, this one at the Stadio Lanfranchi has an awful predictableness about it. The Italian outfit don’t stand much chance against the competition’s standard-bearers.

Verdict: Leinster (-19.5) 17/20

Like the Bulls game, this is another minus banker. The Irish powerhouses should blow Zebre out of the water.