The semi-finals for the URC are set! The Bulls travel to the RDS to face off against the mighty Leinster. In the Republic, the red-hot Stormers welcome Ulster to the Cape Town Stadium. Shaun Goosen previews.
Friday 10 June
Leinster 1/16 | Draw 40/1 | Bulls 7/1 (20:35)
Handicap
Leinster (-18.5) 17/20 | Bulls (+18.5) 17/20
The Bulls have a seriously tough task on their hands if they are to upset Leinster at the RDS Arena on Friday.
Jake White’s men have had a fantastic campaign thus far, finishing fourth and last week dispatching of a quality Sharks outfit in Pretoria courtesy of Chris Smith’s late drop-goal. Having claimed two Currie Cup titles as well as the Super Rugby Unlocked crown since the former World Cup-winning coach took over the reins, they’ve been the team to beat in South Africa for some time now.
Unfortunately for them, their campaign looks set to come to an end in Dublin. URC table-toppers Leinster have won the 13 out of their 14 home games this season, not to mention the last four editions of the Pro14 in succession. Their team on Friday boasts the likes of European Player of the Year Josh van der Flier, Robbie Henshaw and Tadhg Furlong, while their narrow Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle in May will only spur them on here.
The hosts won last week’s quarter-final against Glasgow Warriors 76-14, and the Bulls could be on the receiving end of a big hiding too if they are even a fraction short of the pace.
Verdict: Bulls (+18.5) 17/20
Leinster should win comfortably here but the Bulls could still finish within the handicap with a big display.
Saturday 11 June
Stormers 8/10 | Draw 20/1 | Ulster 21/20 (15:00)
Handicap
Stormers 17/20 (-1.5) | Ulster 17/20 (+1.5)
The Stormers are in for a tense battle with Ulster at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday.
John Dobson’s men have been superb over the backend of the season, finally managing to secure second place on the standings after picking up 12 wins and two draws from their 18 games. Their hybrid style of rugby, coupled with the supreme form of the likes of Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse, has won them many fans, and supporters of the Cape franchise will be hoping their side can overcome one final hurdle to reach the decider.
While the loss of the injured Willemse is a big blow, the Stormers coped well without him in their 28-17 win over Edinburgh in last week’s quarter-final. That said, Ulster will bring a much tougher challenge to the Cape Town Stadium. The men from Belfast boast a pack capable of going toe-to-toe with the hosts from the start, while their discipline is top drawer.
Verdict: Stormers (-1.5) 17/20
This should be a lot tighter than Friday’s semi-final, but the Capetonians should just come away with it.
