The Stormers’ and Sharks’ wins last weekend saw them remain well positioned for top four finishes in the URC, with the Cape side in particular now sitting pretty in second place. Shaun Goosen previews this weekend’s games.
United Rugby Championship | Friday 29 April
Bulls v Glasgow
19h00
Loftus Versfeld
To Win (80 mins)
Bulls 27/100 | Draw 22/1 | Glasgow 29/10
The Bulls will be confident of seeing off Glasgow at Loftus on Friday. The Warriors head to Pretoria off the back of the 32-7 loss they sustained in Cape Town last week which now sees them sitting sixth. The eighth-placed Bulls should claim a win here to usurp them on the log and keep their playoff dreams alive.
Verdict: Bulls
Munster v Cardiff
20h35
Thomond Park
To Win (80 mins)
Munster 1/10 | Draw 33/1 | Cardiff 6/1
A Munster win against Cardiff at Thomond Park on Friday can temporarily see them go second. With the Stormers only playing on Saturday, a win here would keep up the pressure on them as Johann van Graan’s side continue their quest to finish as high as possible. With a trip to Leinster in Dublin in store in the final round, one feels they should have enough to beat a lacklustre Cardiff team.
Verdict: Munster
United Rugby Championship | Saturday 30 April
Lions v Benetton
14h00
Emirates Airlines Park
To Win (80 mins)
Lions 17/100 | Draw 35/1 | Benetton 44/10
The Lions should bounce back from their loss a week ago with victory over Benetton at Emirates Airlines Park on Saturday. Cash van Rooyen’s side’s defeat to Connacht put an end to their great home form, but coming up against a struggling Benetton that haven’t won all year shouldn’t be a problem.
Verdict: Lions
Sharks v Connacht
16h05
Hollywoodbets Kings Park
To Win (80 mins)
Sharks 23/100 | Draw 22/1 | Connacht 33/10
The Sharks should have enough to see off a physical onslaught from Connacht at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday. The Irish side beat the Lions a week ago and will be confident of staging another upset here. They’ll definitely cause the Durbanites problems, and should run them close, but the hosts will ultimately come away with the goods.
Verdict: Sharks
Zebre v Dragons
16h05
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
To Win (80 mins)
Zebre 43/20 | Draw 20/1 | Dragons 4/10
In a battle of the basement dwellers, Zebre host Dragons at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday. The hosts are still winless this season and sit rock-bottom, but came within three-points of breaking their bagel in Edinburgh last week. Dragons are just one place above them in 15th. If Zebre are ever going to get over the line this season, you’d feel it has to come here. Back them to sneak a first win this season.
Verdict: Zebre
Stormers v Leinster
18h15
Cape Town Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Stormers 2/7 | Draw 22/1 | Leinster 29/10
The Stormers’ will be eager to reduce the gap between themselves and Leinster at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. John Dobson’s men are playing rockstar rugby and look set to be South Africa’s primary title challenger this season. They’re currently second and should put away this second-string Leinster outfit at home to extend their winning run to seven.
Veridict: Stormers
Ospreys v Scarlets
18h15
Liberty Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Ospreys 21/20 | Draw 25/1 | Scarlets 79/100
Ospreys and Scarlets clash at Liberty Stadium on Saturday with Welsh Shield honours still on the line. Ninth-placed Scarlets had the way and currently sit nine-points ahead of their rivals this week. While they are unlikely to be caught, Ospreys do have a game in hand and can take matters to the final round. Back the hosts to narrowly get the job done.
Verdict: Ospreys
Edinburgh v Ulster
20h35
DAM Health Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Edinburgh 89/100 | Draw 22/1 | Ulster 19/20
Edinburgh could feel the brunt of a hurting Ulster team at the DAM Health Stadium on Saturday. The Belfast boys were beaten at home by Munster a week ago and so relinquished their second-place standing. While Edinburgh seventh-placed Edinburgh are a good side and are also pushing hard to remain in the playoff spots, they could come under fire at home.
Verdict: Ulster
