Anticipated Outcomes for Round 15
The South African teams make their way back to action in Round 15 of the United Rugby Championship (URC). Here's a rundown of the matches and some insights to help you make informed decisions.
Edinburgh vs Sharks
Kickoff: Friday, 18 April - 8:35 PM SAST
Edinburgh has established itself as a formidable opposition for South African teams after ousting the Lions and Bulls in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Now, the eighth-place Scottish side sets its sights on the Sharks and a spot in the top half of the table. After a slipup against Leinster at home in the previous round, the fourth-placed Durbanites will be eager to pick up some crucial points and with key Springboks returning, they have what it takes to edge Edinburgh.
Prediction: Sharks by 2Suggested Bet: Sharks at 2.00
Lions vs Benetton
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 1:15 PM SAST
Following tour losses to Cardiff and the Glasgow Warriors, the Lions find themselves in 14th place, six points outside of the playoffs. They cannot afford to let another home match slip away. Benetton has had a strong season, reaching the knockouts of the Investec Champions Cup and currently sits seventh in the URC. Both teams play a tactical game, but the Lions' home advantage should give them the edge.
Prediction: Lions by 5Suggested Bet: Benetton +7 at 1.90
Ospreys vs Cardiff
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 4:00 PM SAST
The Welsh derby at the Principality Stadium is a tight affair. Both sides have identical 6-7-1 records, and the Ospreys have won six of their last ten games compared to Cardiff's two. Home ground advantage gives the Ospreys the edge.
Prediction: Ospreys by 3
Stormers vs Connacht
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 4:00 PM SAST
The Stormers, fresh from a two-week break, will look to start their final block of home games on a high note. They have a star-studded lineup and will look to outmuscle Connacht. The Capetonians lost their last game to Ulster and will be itching to get back on track.
Prediction: Stormers by 12Suggested Bet: Connacht +18 at 1.90
Munster vs Bulls
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 6:15 PM SAST
After a disappointing Challenge Cup title loss, the Bulls can now focus solely on the URC. Third place and a top-two finish are at stake here. Munster, on the other hand, seems to be peaking at the right time, having defeated La Rochelle away and pushing Bordeaux-Begles in the previous round. With their pack and set pieces in top form, Munster should have the edge at home.
Prediction: Munster by 5Suggested Bet: Munster -4 at 1.90
Dragons vs Scarlets
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 6:30 PM SAST
The Dragons have had a disastrous season so far, with only one win to show. The Scarlets, meanwhile, have been in good form and beat the Ospreys in their last outing. The Scarlets' hunger for victory and the Welsh Shield at stake ensure they'll cross the line relatively comfortably.
Prediction: Scarlets by 12Suggested Bet: Scarlets -7 at 1.90
Leinster vs Ulster
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 8:35 PM SAST
Leinster, fresh from a 52-0 thrashing of the Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup playoffs, looks unstoppable in the URC. Ulster has won their last three games in the URC and will provide a challenge. However, Leinster's rock-solid defense and lethal attack make them strong favorites at home.
Prediction: Leinster by 20Suggested Bet: Leinster -19 at 1.90
Zebre vs Glasgow Warriors
Kickoff: Saturday, 19 April - 8:35 PM SAST
The Warriors, whose Challenge Cup title dreams were shattered by Leinster, can now focus fully on the URC. The Zebre, on the other hand, have lost three games in a row and will struggle against the powerful Warriors' pack.
Prediction: Glasgow Warriors by 14Suggested Bet: Glasgow Warriors -11 at 1.90
- In Round 15 of the United Rugby Championship, Edinburgh faces the Sharks with the Scottish side aiming to move into the top half of the table after ousting the Lions and Bulls in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
- In the same round, the Lions, who have been struggling after tour losses to Cardiff and the Glasgow Warriors, aim to avoid another home loss as they face Benetton.
- The Welsh derby between Ospreys and Cardiff is expected to be a tight affair, with the Ospreys, who have won six of their last ten games, having an edge due to home ground advantage.
- The Stormers, after a two-week break, will look to start their final block of home games on a high note against Connacht, despite Connacht's capability to worke hard to secure a win.
