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PREVIEW: SA sides tipped to dominate, Ulster host Leinster in weekend URC headliner

The South African sides are once again tipped to dominate proceedings, however, all eyes will be on the Kingspan where Ulster host Leinster in the URC’s third-round headliner. Shaun Goosen previews.

Clayton Blommetjies of the DHL Stormers - URC
Image Copyright: Steve Haag Sports

The South African sides are once again tipped to dominate proceedings, however, all eyes will be on the Kingspan where Ulster host Leinster in the URC’s third-round headliner. Shaun Goosen previews.

27/09/2022 - Tuesday's Racing Tips by Neil Morrice

Friday 30 September

Bulls 1/16 | Draw 40/1 | Connacht 13/2 (18:30)

The Bulls have named a side with a back three of Springbok trio Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Sbu Nkosi for this one, while Johan Goosen dons to the No 10 jumper for the first time since returning from his long-term injury. Jake White’s men are two from two and last week edged a good Edinburgh side but should claim a more comprehensive win on Friday. Connacht could struggle at altitude and should be 0 from 3 by the end of the weekend. The Bulls could scoop a big win at altitude this weekend. I’m on the (17.5) handicap at 7/10.

Cardiff 4/9 | Draw 22/1 | Lions 17/10 (20:35)

Following a great win over Munster in the first round, Cardiff’s expectations were tempered somewhat after they copped a heavy loss in Glasgow last week. On Friday they face a Lions outfit that earned a morale-boosting one-point win at Ospreys in round two and will be eager to make it two on the road after their opening loss against the Bulls. Back the Joburgers to maintain their upward trend by collecting another away victory here at 17/10.

Ulster 5/4 | Draw 22/1 | Leinster 5/8 (20:35)

In the game of the weekend, both Ulster and Leinster will be out to keep intact their winning starts to the campaign. The visitors can lay down an early season marker by knocking over their fierce rivals at the Kingspan, while a win for Dan McFarland’s charges would set them up superbly with a series of away games on the horizon. It’s going to be a close one, but the Ulstermen should just about have enough here.

Saturday 1 October

Stormers 1/3 | Draw 25/1 | Edinburgh 85/40 (14:00)

The Stormers should maintain their winning ways against Edinburgh here despite the Scottish outfit’s valiant effort at Loftus a week ago. The Bulls edged them by two, and while that will give them some momentum to take into this one, the Cape side are a real force at home and should stretch their overall winning run to 12-matches. Some of the attacking footy John Dobson’s men produced last week was spectacular and Edinburgh’s D will be stretched. I reckon the Stormers should be able to clear the (-7.5) handicap here at 87/100. 

Ospreys 8/11 | Draw 22/1 | Glasgow 21/20 (16:05)

Ospreys will be out to claim a first win of the season on Saturday after a draw and defeat in the opening two rounds. They salvaged a 23-all draw in Llanelli thanks to a last-gasp converted score and would have expected to open their account last week if not for a heroic performance by the Lions, who managed a one-point win. The Warriors bounced back from a loss at Benetton with victory at the Scotstoun over Cardiff but could face another L on the weekend with Ospreys desperate to get their campaign off the ground. For a bit of safety, I’ll take Glasgow to remain within the (+3.5) handicap at 3/4.

Munster 1/50 | Draw 33/1 | Zebre 11/1 (18:05)

Two opening losses mean Munster are suffering their worst start to a campaign since the first season of the Celtic League way back in 2001. It’s been far from a fairytale start to Johann van Graan’s tenure at the helm, but that should change at Musgrave Park here. As good as Zebre have been, coming within a whisker of knocking over both Leinster and the Sharks in the past fortnight, the Red Army should hit back with a vengeance on Saturday. Perhaps the smart play here would be to get on the overs? Zebre have been involved in two high-scoring affairs this season, with that in mind I’ll be on the over 59.5 points at 11/10.

Benetton 8/13 | Draw 25/1 | Scarlets 5/4

Benetton kicked off their season with a great win over Glasgow before being outgunned by Leinster. They should fancy their chances here against a Scarlets outfit that drew with Ospreys first up before being thoroughly beaten by Ulster in round two, though desperation may play a role for the visitors. It’ll be a tight one, but Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets should have the edge in Treviso. Back them on the board.

Dragons 2/1 | Draw 25/1 | Sharks 4/11

After a fast start against Benetton a week ago, the Sharks nearly bottled it with the hosts hitting back hard to almost snatch the win. The Durbanites ended up holding out, but this week come up against a confident Dragons team fresh off a win over Munster. It won’t be easy for Sean Everitt’s men, but if they stick to their structures they’ll come away with the spoils.

27/09/2022 - Tuesday's Racing Tips by Neil Morrice
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