Benetton vs Lions
Benetton welcomes the Lions in this URC encounter. The home team are fresh of an excellent 21-20 away win over the Ospreys in their last match while the visitors also had an impressive away win in their last match as they beat last season’s losing finalist, the Bulls. Benetton have everything to play for as they are chasing a playoff position. They are currently just one point behind eighth place Glasgow and will be looking for a bonus point win as they have been very strong at home. The Lions on the other hand are playing for pride and will be looking to build on their last win.
TIP: The visitors are currently five points behind Benetton and will need a bonus point win while denying the Italians even a bonus point, if they are to catch them on the log. The Lions have a strange record of having more wins on the road than at home and this stat will give them confidence as they face a Benetton side that have only lost twice at home all season. The bookies have Benetton as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.44, Gbets 1.45 and Hollywoodbets 1.44
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Benetton vs Lions
- In the only previous meeting between these teams, the Lions won 37-29.
Latest results for both teams
Benetton beat Ospreys 21-20 in their last match while the Lions beat the Bulls 29-25 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Benetton will be out for revenge as they lost the only previous encounter between the teams although that match was in Joburg at altitude. The Lions strength is their forwards and they will be hoping to get an advantage over the home sides pack as this won’t allow Benetton to gain quick ball from the ruck. The home side have shown that they can run the ball from anywhere on the field and they have one of the standout flyhalves in the competition in Argentinian Tomas Albornoz. If the Pumas number ten is allowed to pull the strings then the Lions will be in for a long afternoon. We are predicting a home win by 9 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Benetton
15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Onisi Ratave, 13 Ignacio Brex, 12 Joaquin Riera, 11 Mattia Bellini, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Alessandro Garbisi, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Michele Lamaro (captain), 6 Giovanni Pettinelli, 5 Niccolò Cannone, 4 Marco Lazzaroni, 3 Simone Ferrari, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 1 Cherif Traore.
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Sibahle Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Pieter Botha, 1 Jean-Pierre Smith.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Benetton victory are as follows:
Betway 1.44
Gbets 1.45
Hollywoodbets 1.44
Odds comparison on the Benetton handicap:
The complete odds on the Benetton handicap:
Betway 1.91 (-5.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-5.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.91 (-5.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Benetton outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.91 (-5.5), Gbets 1.90 (-5.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.91 (-5.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Highlanders vs. Fijian Drua
Moana Pasifika vs. Hurricanes
Rebels vs. Reds
Blues vs. Western Force
Sharks vs WP
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
