Rugby Union
URC Matchweek 4 Betting Tips & Predictions: Leinster Face Munster in Weekend Highlight
The United Rugby Championship returns this weekend with eight fixtures across Friday and Saturday.
There are several intriguing contests on the schedule, including a meeting between Irish rivals Leinster and Munster, while Glasgow Warriors travel to Italy to face Benetton. With teams looking to build momentum in the early stages of the campaign, Matchweek 4 could provide some important results.
Friday 23 October
Cardiff Rugby v Sharks – 7.45pm
Cardiff Rugby welcome the Sharks to Cardiff Arms Park on Friday evening. The Welsh side will be hoping home advantage can help them secure an important result, but the visitors start as favourites at 3/4, with Cardiff priced at 11/10.
The Sharks have plenty of attacking quality and will be looking to make their mark in Cardiff. The home side will need a strong performance to upset the odds.
Connacht v Zebre Parma – 7.45pm
Connacht look well placed to continue their positive start to the campaign as they host Zebre Parma. The Irish side are overwhelming favourites at 1/25, with the visitors priced at 10/1.
Connacht will be targeting another positive result in front of their home supporters, while Zebre face a difficult challenge in Galway.
Edinburgh v Lions – 7.45pm
Edinburgh host the Lions in what could be an interesting contest. The Scottish side are favourites at 3/10, although the Lions are available at 12/5 and will be hoping to cause an upset.
Edinburgh will look to make home advantage count, but they will need a strong performance against a South African side keen to pick up points on the road.
Saturday 24 October
Bulls v Ulster – 12.45pm
The Bulls begin Saturday’s action as strong favourites at 1/14 against Ulster, who are priced at 6/1.
Playing at Loftus Versfeld gives the South African side home advantage, and they will be looking to make the most of it. Ulster face a tough test but will be determined to compete and give themselves a chance of taking something from the game.
Benetton v Glasgow Warriors – 3pm
Glasgow Warriors travel to Italy as favourites to beat Benetton. The visitors are priced at 3/10, while the hosts are available at 5/2.
Benetton will be hoping to use home advantage to their benefit, but Glasgow will be targeting an important away victory as they look to strengthen their position in the competition.
Stormers v Scarlets – 3pm
The Stormers are among the strongest favourites of the weekend as they host the Scarlets. The South African side are priced at 1/25, with the Welsh visitors at 10/1.
The Stormers will be confident of securing a home win, although the Scarlets will be keen to make life difficult for their hosts.
Leinster v Munster – 6pm
The standout fixture of the weekend sees Irish rivals Leinster and Munster meet on Saturday evening.
Leinster are clear favourites at 1/10, with Munster priced at 6/1 to claim an away victory. Leinster are also 6/4 favourites to win the URC outright, highlighting their standing among the leading contenders for the title.
Despite the difference in the odds, this rivalry always provides an exciting occasion. Munster will be eager to upset their rivals, while Leinster will want to make a statement in front of their home supporters.
Ospreys v Dragons – 7pm
Saturday’s action concludes with a Welsh derby between the Ospreys and Dragons.
The Ospreys are favourites at 4/11, but the Dragons will be hoping to upset their rivals at odds of 9/4. With local pride at stake, both teams will be keen to finish the weekend with a victory.
With eight matches across two days, Matchweek 4 promises plenty of rugby action, with the Leinster-Munster clash providing a fitting highlight to the weekend.
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
