Rugby Union
United Rugby Championship Predictions: Lions value at 3/1 to upset the Bulls
William Hill News provide predictions for the third round of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship.
After two weeks the table is beginning to take shape, as six teams are still winless while four put their 100% records on the line this week.
We have another eight games to sink our teeth into across Friday and Saturday, with some seriously intriguing clashes set to take place this weekend.
Let’s take a look at how it could all unfold.
Dragons vs Ospreys – Friday 9th October, 19:45
Dragons are one of the unbeaten sides in the league, drawing away at Benetton on the opening weekend before picking up five points at home to Scarlets last weekend. It hasn’t been such a favourable start for Ospreys who are 15th and only ahead of Zebre on points difference after two defeats.
It’s hard to see anything other than the Dragons getting the job done at home here.
Prediction: Dragons -1 Handicap Betting – 5/6
Glasgow Warriors v Connacht – Friday 9th October, 19:45
Last year’s table toppers Glasgow Warriors have made an unbeaten start, kicking off with a six-point victory over Munster before drawing 33-33 with Ulster. That is a strong start and they’re obvious favourites to build on that here.
Connacht fell to the Stormers in the opening round, but got back on track with a last-gasp victory away at Benetton. Despite that, this still looks a tall order as a large group of key players remain sidelined by injury.
Prediction: Glasgow Warriors -13 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Bulls v Lions – Saturday 10th October, 12:30
Bulls v Lions is one of the more intriguing matchups on a weekend which sees all four of South Africa’s sides pitted against each other. Lions produced a massive performance to beat Leinster by a mere point in the opening week before breezing past Ospreys last week.
Bulls, on the other hand, suffered a defeat last week after opening their account in style with a 47-13 victory over Zebre. With that recent defeat in mind, the away side look the value pick to continue their fast start.
Prediction: Lions To Win – 3/1
Stormers v Sharks – Saturday 10th October, 15:00
It’s another all-South African affair on Saturday afternoon with a host of Springboks stars taking centre stage as Stormers host Sharks. Stormers welcome back a host of Springboks but host a Sharks side brimming with confidence after their impressive 26-20 victory over Leinster last weekend.
The Cape side suffered a narrow defeat to Edinburgh last time out but will be boosted by the returns of Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Deon Fourie. However, whether they can quickly rediscover their cohesion could prove crucial against a Sharks team carrying plenty of momentum.
The Stormers should have too much firepower with their Springboks returning, particularly on home soil. However, the Sharks’ confidence after beating Leinster means this could be a closely fought contest.
Prediction: Stormers To Win 1-7 Winning Margin – 12/5
Zebre v Edinburgh – Saturday 10th October, 15:00
Zebre are unsurprisingly without a win from their opening two matches and look set for a struggle similar to that of last season where they managed just two wins from 18 matches.
Edinburgh, on the other hand, have started brilliantly and look well set to maintain their 100% winning record here.
Prediction: Edinburgh -7 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Scarlets v Benetton Rugby – Saturday 10th October, 17:30
Scarlets v Benetton is a crucial clash at the wrong end of the table as both sides are looking to pick up their first victory of the season. The hosts sit 14th having lost both games, while Benetton managed a draw against the Dragons in their opening match.
These two sides were separated by just five points last season and look pretty evenly matched again here. This’ll be a tight game, but Scarlets can get the job done at home.
Prediction: Scarlets -4 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Ulster v Munster – Saturday 10th October, 17:30
Saturday evening also sees the Northeast of Ireland taking on the Southwest, as Ulster host Munster. This is another mouth-watering clash as both sides are separated by one point after two games.
Ulster managed an impressive draw against Glasgow last week after a disappointing defeat at home to Edinburgh, while Munster lost to Glasgow before defeating the Bulls in a close-fought contest.
Munster’s form looks the stronger of the two given the Bulls finished fourth last season and the 8/5 about them to win is tempting enough.
Prediction: Munster To Win – 8/5
Leinster v Cardiff Rugby – Saturday 10th October, 19:45
We wrap up the third round of fixtures with Leinster v Cardiff on Saturday evening. Leinster are heavy favourites despite losing both of their opening fixtures, while Cardiff are two from two and sit second in the league.
However, the calibre of their opponents and tight nature of Leinster’s losses means it’s still hard to look past them at home here. That said, Cardiff are on a roll and this is unlikely to be a mauling.
Prediction: Cardiff Rugby +21 Handicap Betting – 10/11
