5 Rugby Matches to Bet on This Weekend

Quintin van Jaarsveld picks and previews the key clashes across the Gallagher Premiership, PRO14 and Super Rugby AU this weekend.

The PRO14 returns this weekend following a five-month Covid-19 shutdown. More South African eyes than ever are set to be on the five-continent competition given that local rugby remains in limbo under lockdown.

Even though the Cheetahs and Southern Kings are stuck in South Africa, the PRO14 boasts plenty of Springbok star power, which will make for compelling viewing.

After returning from their own five-month shutout last weekend, Gallagher Premiership teams will look to pick up the pace as well as log points. The English competition is also crammed with Springbok stars. Down Under, meanwhile, Super Rugby AU is entering the business end.

These are the must-watch matches of the weekend and how I see them playing out:

Gallagher Premiership

Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs (Friday – 19:00 SA time)

A massive clash from a standings and South African perspective as log-leading Exeter Chiefs tackle third-placed Sale Sharks. Exeter were the much sharper side in the first round back after the lockdown last weekend, taming Leicester Tigers 26-13. Springbok-laden Sale were rusty in comparison, succumbing 16-10 to Harlequins.

The latter was a stale affair overshadowed by 11 Sale players, including eight South Africans, opting not to take the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The hosts will use the controversy and loss as fuel and if they fire on all cylinders, they might put one over the pacesetters. Exeter, though, have the edge in composition and cohesion and should eke out the win.

Prediction: Exeter by 5.

Suggested Bet: Exeter -3.5 at 1.84

Super Rugby AU

Brumbies v Waratahs (Saturday – 11:15 SA time)

The timing of this traditional derby couldn’t be better for the underdog Waratahs. They’re coming off commanding back-to-back wins over the Reds (45-12) and Western Force (28), while the Brumbies suffered their first loss of the competition last time out – a shock 30-12 hammering by the Melbourne Rebels.

Still, the Canberra outfit are sitting pretty atop the table on 18 points, two ahead of the Reds and three ahead of the ‘Tahs, with a game in hand. The ‘Tahs had their chance to end their two-year losing run against the Brumbies and blew it by leaking a last-minute try at home in Round Three. In the comforts of Canberra, the Brumbies will be too strong and should seal their sixth straight win over the men from Sydney.

Prediction: Brumbies by 9.

Suggested Bet: Brumbies to win by 1-12 at 2.65

Gallagher Premiership

Saracens v Harlequins (Saturday – 13:30 SA time)

Doomed to relegation due to their points penalty for breaking salary cap rules, reigning champions Saracens have only redemption and pride to play for. An unsuccessful return in the form of a 16-12 loss to Bristol last weekend rubbed salt in the wound and they’ll be bullish to bounce back against their London rivals at home. Quins had to work hard for their aforementioned win over Sale.

They have winning momentum but are also the more banged up of the two teams after their defensively-demanding duel. I doubt they’ll be able to replicate that defensive display (which saw them keep Sale scoreless in the first half) at Allianz Park, where Saracens are notoriously tough to beat.

Prediction: Saracens by 10.

Suggested Bet: TBC

PRO14

Leinster v Munster (Saturday – 20:35 SA time)

Always a titanic tussle, Munster have a big task in front of them as they play defending champions Leinster at Lansdowne Road, where the hosts are looking to extend their record undefeated run of 14 games. If any team can snap that impressive streak, though, it’s arch-rivals Munster, coached by former Springbok and Bulls assistant Johan van Graan and bolstered by World Cup-winning Springbok duo RG Snyman and Damian de Allende. It’ll be physical, tactical and intense. Second, in their conference, Munster will be full of belief, but it’s tough to bet against the unbeaten hosts.

Prediction: Leinster by 6.

Suggested Bet: TBC

PRO14

Connacht v Ulster (Sunday – 17:30 SA time)

All eyes will be on Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee in this Sunday showdown. Francois Louw’s retirement has left an opening for a fetcher in the world champions’ set-up, and the ultra-talented Ulsterman is a prime candidate for the position. Plagued by injury, Coetzee worked his way back into the Springbok squad last year only to cruelly hobble off minutes into the warm-up match against Argentina in Pretoria, an injury that ruled him out for World Cup selection for the second time. Expect a strong performance from the motivated 29-year-old and a win for Ulster (second in Conference A) over the hosts (fourth in Conference B).

Prediction: Ulster by 12.

Suggested Bet: Ulster -6.5 at 1.80