As we enter the business end of the URC, there are plenty of sides fighting it out for the play-offs. Shaun Goosen previews the week 16 action.
Friday 22 April
Stormers 3/10 | Draw 22/1 | Glasgow 11/4 (18:30)
Handicap
Stormers (-7.5) 8/10 | Glasgow (+7.5) 9/10
The Stormers will again look to capitalise on home advantage against Glasgow at Cape Town Stadium on Friday. John Dobson’s men are on a five-game winning run and can overtake the Warriors with a win. While the Scottish outfit will be no walkover, the firepower of the Capetonians could be too much for them here.
I reckon the Stormers should be good enough to clear the handicap here. Get on the (-7.5) at 8/10.
Ulster 1/3 | Draw 22/1 | Munster 5/2 (20:35)
Handicap
Ulster (-6.5) 17/20 | Munster (+6.5) 17/20
The clash of the round sees Ulster tackle Munster at the Kingspan on Friday. The hosts are second, three points better off their fellow Irish opponents this week. After their agonising Champions Cup result against Toulouse, you’d think Dan McFarland’s men will rally to pip the men from Limerick here.
I think Ulster should get over the line against Munster here, although it should be a close contest. Back Munster to stay within the handicap.
Edinburgh N/A | Draw 45/1 | Zebre 14/1 (20:45)
Handicap
Edinburgh (-25.5) 8/10 | Zebre (+25.5) 9/10
Edinburgh and Zebre clash at DAM Health Stadium on Friday with the hosts still scrambling for a play-off berth. Despite their loss to the Lions in their last fixture, Edinburgh’s playoff fate remains in their hands and they should have no problem swatting winless Zebre aside here.
With the Scots chasing a play-off berth, you can expect them to come out guns blazing here. It’s a big minus, but they should clear it in hopes of securing a bonus-point win.
Saturday 23 April
Bulls N/A | Draw 45/1 | Benetton 14/1 (14:00)
Handicap
Bulls (-26.5) 17/20 | Benetton (+26.5) 17/20
The Bulls will be confident of getting back to winning ways against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Their loss to the Stormers seemed to knock Jake White and his charges down a peg or two, as one would expect, but really they should blow away the Italian outfit here to keep their playoff hopes alive.
With the Bulls fighting for their place in the play-offs, you can expect them to chase a bonus-point win against the Italians. That said, I’m not sure they’ll clear the cap with all of Benetton’s internationals back in the mix. Back Benetton on the plus here.
Dragons 9/4 | Draw 22/1 | Scarlets 37/100 (16:00)
Handicap
Dragons (+6.5) 17/20 | Scarlets (-6.5) 17/20
The Scarlets can take a step closer to winning the Welsh Shield with a win over lowly Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday. Eight points better off next-best Welsh outfit Ospreys, Scarlets will be keen to assert their domestic dominance and beat a Dragons team that has accumulated just 16 points this season.
The Dragons have been abysmmal this season and should find themselves on the end of another missed plus this weekend. Back Scarlets on the handicap.
Lions 51/100 | Draw 22/1 | Connacht 33/20 (16:05)
Handicap
Lions (-4.5) 17/20 | Connacht (+4.5) 17/20
The Lions can continue to improve their log position by seeing off a dogged Connacht outfit at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday. The Irish side are a hard as nails bunch, and if this one was played in Galway they’d be tough to bet against. But considering the results of European sides in the Republic this seasons, the hosts should take it here.
I’m happy witht the value the Lions win offers here. Back the hosts on the board at 51/100.
Sharks 58/100 | Draw 22/1 | Leinster 29/20 (18:15)
Handicap
Sharks (-2.5) 17/20 | Leinster (+2.5) 17/20
The Sharks will face a proper character test against Leinster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday. The log leaders may have left the likes Sexton, Furlong and Henshaw at home, but they’ll still be immensely tough to beat. While the Durbanites should get the job done at home, it’ll be a tight one in the wet.
Perhaps wait to see what the weather’s doing before kick-off. If it’s dry, the Sharks should be able to clear a very modest handicap against Leinster’s second-stringers.
Cardiff 5/10 | Draw 22/1 | Ospreys 17/10 (18:15)
Handicap
Cardiff (-4.5) 17/20 | Ospreys (+4.5) 17/20
A Cardiff win over Ospreys at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday could make things interesting in the Welsh Shield. The hosts still have five games to play and trail Ospreys by just seven points on the log. They should pick up a home win here to keep the final Welsh log placements in doubt.
This should be a pretty tight encounter. I’ll be backing Cardiff to get the job done on the board at 5/10.
