United Rugby Championship Predictions – Round 13

With the playoffs around the corner, the final third of the regular season will see business pick up.

The Bulls will kick off Round 13 against Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening. Saturday’s action includes the Lions welcoming Edinburgh to Ellis Park and the Sharks playing host to Munster in what should be a fiery encounter at Kings Park.

The Stormers conclude the round with a rare Sunday showdown against the Dragons in Cape Town.

Bulls v Cardiff

Friday, 20 March – 19:00

Intent, accuracy, control, and stamina. That is what is on the Bulls’ agenda and the keys for them to bounce back from the disappointing 32-19 loss to the Stormers last weekend.

Failing to convert 22-metre entries and their first-quarter dominance into a suitable lead was the beginning of the end of their four-match winning streak, and the way they fell apart in the second half was shocking.

Therefore, they’ll need to set the tone both physically and mentally to show Cardiff they’re not carrying any psychological scars into the clash and that they are there to dictate terms.

The short turnaround is an added challenge for the Herd, but it’s a great opportunity for them to take down a team three spots ahead of them in the standings in fifth place.

The leading Welsh outfit edged Leinster 8-7 in their last game at the end of February, but have never beaten the Bulls. As long as Johan Ackermann’s men take their opportunities, they’ll keep that perfect record intact and win handsomely.

Prediction: Bulls by 17.

Suggested Bet: Cardiff +20 at 1.90.

Scarlets v Zebre

Friday, 20 March – 21:45

It’s the battle of the basement dwellers.

With three wins to their name, the Scarlets are 15th, leaving Zebre – who have only tasted victory twice this season – dead last. There’s little to say when it comes to this inconsequential clash other than the fact that the Scarlets have never lost to the Italian minnows.

Thus, chalk up the win for the home team. 

Prediction: Scarlets by 12.

Suggested Bet: Zebre +16 at 2.00.

Ulster v Connacht

Friday, 20 March – 21:45

With the Scarlets-Zebre dead rubber and this clash going down simultaneously, 90% of the URC audience (if not more) are set to tune into the Irish derby and should be in for an entertaining time.

Last time out, Ulster claimed a 21-point win in the Scottish capital to climb to third place, and while that puts them six spots above their visitors, they’ll know they’re in for a fight as Connacht have won three in a row.

Having said that, the Ulstermen have strung together a seven-game winning streak at home in all competitions and should keep that streak alive against their rivals that they generally beat in Belfast. 

Prediction: Ulster by 7.

Suggested Bet: Connacht +13 at 1.90.

Lions v Edinburgh

Saturday, 21 March – 14:45

Coming off successive victories over the Sharks (34-22) and Stormers (24-10) to seal the South African Shield for the first time, confidence is high in the Lions’ camp.

As the second-highest-placed of the local sides in seventh position with a run of four more home games on the trot before a tough two-week tour to Ireland and no distraction of doubling up in the EPCR Challenge Cup, the Lions have set themselves up extremely well to reach the playoffs for the first time.

However, they need to overcome the affliction that’s held them back for so many years. Lions fans know all too well that their heroes have a bad habit of losing games they’re expected to win, and this is such a game.

Edinburgh are in lowly 12th position, were well beaten at home by Ulster (40-19) in their most recent outing and enter the Ellis Park clash having won just one of their last five matches across competitions.

It remains rather difficult to fully trust the Pride given their recent history, but with the intelligent rugby they’re playing, they should sidestep the banana peel and prevail fairly comfortably.

Prediction: Lions by 16.

Suggested Bet: Lions -11 at 1.90.

Sharks v Munster

There’s no love lost between these teams after their historic and controversial quarter-final clash in Durban last season.

Tied 24-all, the tense encounter went to the competition’s first-ever penalty shootout, which included Jaden Hendrikse’s infamous gamesmanship and wink to Jack Crowley and climaxed with Bradley Davids’ match-winning kick.

When they meet again for the first time since that dramatic duel on Saturday, the heat will once again be on, not so much for sixth-placed Munster but for the Sharks who, six points outside of the top eight in 11th place, are in must-win territory to keep their playoff hopes and qualifying for the Investec Champions Cup alive.

The momentum JP Pietersen’s troops built with their stunning back-to-back wins over the Stormers was squandered when understrength outfits lost to the Lions (34-22) and the Bulls (41-12). With it went the South African Shield, which they clearly cared little about retaining.

Munster’s 21-7 win over Zebre last time out was just their second in their last seven games in all competitions, but their proven pedigree and hunger for revenge make them tough opposition. However, with a good amount of their Springboks back, the Sharks should see off the visitors.

Prediction: Sharks by 10.

Suggested Bet: Sharks +8 at 1.90.

Benetton v Ospreys

Saturday, 21 March – 17:00

It’s do-or-die time for Benetton, whose campaign has been bitterly disappointing.

In 13th position and seven points behind the eighth-placed Bulls, failure is not an option for them in this home fixture if they want to make a late run at the playoffs.

Their lowly standing is made that much worse by the small margins and back-to-back draws with the Scarlets and Dragons that have cost them considerable log points.

The Ospreys are better placed (10th) and are unbeaten in their last five URC games, so the evidence suggests they’re juicy underdogs. For my money, though, a desperate Benetton team bolstered by returning Six Nations stars should pull through.

Prediction: Benetton by 4.

Suggested Bet: Ospreys +7 at 1.90.

Glasgow Warriors v Leinster

Saturday, 21 March – 19:30

It remains to be seen how many of their respective international stars will be rushed straight back into action after the Six Nations wrapped up last weekend, but any way you slice it, this is a pivotal battle.

The Warriors’ place at the top of the table is in jeopardy as a loss could see Leinster, the Stormers and Ulster draw level or overtake them, should those teams all triumph.

Both sides were understrength and beaten in their last games, Glasgow by Connacht (15-10) and fourth-placed Leinster by Cardiff (8-7). The value pick is Leinster as underdogs, but I see Franco Smith’s side holding court.

Prediction: Glasgow Warriors by 2.

Suggested Bet: Leinster +4 at 1.90.

Stormers v Dragons

Sunday, 22 March – 15:00

Fresh off getting their campaign back on track with a commanding 13-point victory at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, this rare Sunday showcase sure looks set to be a ‘jol’ for the Stormers and their home crowd.

The Capetonians did an excellent job of addressing a number of facets of their game that had regressed and resulted in their three-match skid. Their physicality, set pieces and aerial play were back to the lofty levels that saw them lead the league for weeks and lifted them to second place on the log.

Over their ‘infection’ so to speak, John Dobson’s charges will be feeling bullish and with their attacking DNA, they’ll be frothing to put on a show for their supporters against the embattled Dragons, who have managed just two wins all season.

It’s easy for the Stormers to get up for a battle against the Bulls; their challenge this week is to maintain last weekend’s standards against the 14th-placed visitors, and build scoreboard pressure before they try the extravagant stuff they’ve attempted with low returns as of late.

Ultimately, it should be nothing but a full house of log points for the hosts.

Prediction: Stormers by 25.

Suggested Bet: Dragons +28 at 1.90.