United Rugby Championship Predictions – Round 2

The Stormers have home comforts while the rest of the South African sides have tough tour assignments in the second round of the United Rugby Championship this weekend, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

The Capetonians square off against the Scarlets in Stellenbosch on Saturday, followed by the Sharks taking on Leinster in Dublin and the Lions tackling Edinburgh in the Scottish capital.

The Bulls close out the round with a battle against Ulster in Belfast on Sunday night.

Ospreys v Zebre

Saturday, 28 October – 14:00

On the evidence of last weekend, a few bucks will trickle in on underdogs Zebre, who’re used to seeing little to no action on the outright front.

The Italians nearly pulled off a famous upset against Ulster, leading for most of the match before succumbing 40-36. Nevertheless, it was a spirited performance they can build a decent campaign on. The problem is history has shown the men from Parma don’t push on from promising outings.

The Ospreys failed to pitch up in the first half away to Connacht. Leaking 27 unanswered points was the worst possible way to start the season but they showed fight to lose by just 34-26. The confidence they took out of the way they finished their first assignment and home-ground advantage will see them stave off the incoming Italian threat.

Prediction: Ospreys by 7.

Suggested Bet: Zebre +13.5 at 1.83.

Connacht v Glasgow Warriors

Saturday, 28 October – 16:00

The Warriors made the biggest statement of the opening round with their remarkable 43-25 win over title favourites Leinster. That just doesn’t happen often. The Glasgow outfit rocked up with a great deal of confidence, were gritty and lethal in converting their try-scoring opportunities.

As mentioned above, Connacht started like a house on fire before fizzling out in their win over the Ospreys. Playing at home has them as marginal favourites but Franco Smith’s charges were so impressive – with the power of their scrum and driving maul also making a big impression – that I’m backing them to beat the hosts.

Prediction: Glasgow Warriors by 3.

Suggested Bet: Glasgow Warriors at 2.20.

Stormers v Scarlets

Saturday, 28 October – 16:00

The Stormers had impressive synergy straight out of the gate against the Lions and while they picked up a full house at Ellis Park, they made life tough for themselves in the second half to go from 32-7 up to winning by just a two-point margin.

The Scarlets were no match for the Bulls but had their moments on attack in the heavy 63-21 defeat, so the Stormers will be switched on defensively. The Cape side will be out to deliver an 80-minute performance this time around and that’ll see them wallop their Welsh visitors. 

Prediction: Stormers by 38.

Suggested Bet: Stormers -24.5 at 1.84.

Leinster v Sharks

Saturday, 28 October – 17:55

Leinster’s loss to the Warriors was the worst possible result for the Sharks as the top seeds will be hell-bent on bouncing back in what’ll be their first home game.

Without their slew of Springboks, the Sharks were always going to struggle against the defending champions. Though they left Limerick empty-handed, there were positives to take out of the 34-21 defeat, such as keeping the hosts scoreless in the opening quarter.

It’s staying in the fight that’ll be an issue for them again and what will see Leinster leave them behind. 

Prediction: Leinster by 19.

Suggested Bet: Leinster -17.5 at 1.84

Edinburgh v Lions

Saturday, 28 October – 18:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same. It was a typical Lions performance to start the season, allowing the Stormers to race into a 25-point lead before rallying to nearly complete an epic comeback. Starting strong will be paramount in the Scottish capital.

The same is true for Edinburgh after they trailed 14-0 before fighting back to defeat the Dragons 22-17. They looked rusty, so the Lions will be sniffing an opportunity. However, Edinburgh’s patience on attack and willingness to chip away through the boot of Ben Healy should see them claim a comfortable win in the end.

Prediction: Edinburgh by 12.

Suggested Bet: Edinburgh -11.5 at 1.84.

Benetton v Munster

Sunday, 29 October – 16:00

With defending champions Munster looking the business in their 34-21 victory over the Sharks and their remarkable away record to capture the crown against all odds last season, it makes sense that they’re the favourites.

However, this will be anything but easy. Coming from 19-3 down to edge Cardiff 23-22 in Wales, Benetton showed they have heart and won’t go away. They’ll be even more fired up playing at home, where they’re always tough customers, and have x-factor to cash in on half chances.

That said, Munster have the class and necessary mongrel to either outgun them or grind out a narrow win.

Prediction: Munster by 5.

Suggested Bet: Munster -3.5 at 1.83.

Dragons v Cardiff

Sunday, 29 October – 16:30

Having both squandered leads and suffered home defeats, these teams will be determined to get over the line in this Welsh derby.

It’s all about improving their discipline for both sides as the Dragons bled 18 penalties in their 22-17 loss to Edinburgh while Cardiff conceded nine penalties and a red card in their 23-22 loss to Benetton.

While it’s usually close, Cardiff dominates this rivalry. They haven’t lost to the Dragons since 2014, so I see them pipping it again.

Prediction: Cardiff by 2.

Suggested Bet: Cardiff -1.5 at 1.94.

Ulster v Bulls

Sunday, 29 October – 19:00

Like their Gauteng neighbours, the Bulls will fancy their chances against an Ulster team that got out of jail against perennial whipping boys Zebre. Jake White’s men fired on all cylinders in their runaway win over the Scarlets, but this is a big step up in competition.

Areas of vulnerability the Bulls will look to exploit are Ulster’s maul defence and wing coverage, as they leaked a try from a lineout and two from crosskicks. On the flip side, the men from Pretoria will likely struggle to contain their hosts’ offloading game.

Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time, Ulster will be sharper and more physical this week and should come away with a hard-fought win.

Prediction: Ulster by 8.

Suggested Bet: Ulster -6.5 at 1.84.

Quintin van Jaarsveld

Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formerly the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years’ experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.