We have reached Round 4 of 18 in the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship. The Northern Hemisphere teams have settled into their groove while the South African squads are still waiting on the return of their Springbok stars. Here is a look at the betting lines of some of the matches being played on Saturday, October 16.
Benetton Treviso VS. Ospreys – Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso
Ospreys welcome back Wales wing Alex Cuthbert to regional rugby on Saturday following his three-year stint in England with the Exeter Chiefs. He is one of 11 changes from a 14 point home defeat by the Sharks last time out. This includes a first start for Elvis Taione at hooker and Stephen Myler starting at No. 10. Benetton has gone from being competition also-rans to a solid unit. They have won seven of their last eight and won the Rainbow Cup last season. I like the Italians to win and cover the -3.5 spread.
Edinburgh VS. Bulls – Edinburgh Rugby Stadium, Edinburgh
Johan Goosen’s knee injury last week means that two-time British & Irish Lions vanquisher Morne Steyn has been called back from holiday to join the Bulls for their current stint in Europe. The 37-year-old stand-off will join the fray from the bench in Scotland. The home side is still without the likes of Lions Hamish Watson, Ali Price, and Zander Fagerson, and those missing names mean that I like the Bulls to sneak a win here at 11/10 with BetXchange.
Munster VS. Connacht – Thomond Park, Limerick
The lone all-Irish clash of Round 4 sees Connacht travel to Munster. The home side is the heavy favorite here – the point spread is 15.5 in their favor – but you never know exactly what is going to happen in a derby game where pride is sometimes just as important as skill. The clash will see a couple of Lions return to the provincial battle as Tadhg Beirne comes back into the Munster side and Bundee Aki does the same for Connacht. Munster has made 14 changes to the side that knocked off Scarlets on the road a week ago, with Chris Cloete the only retained player in a starting XV that includes the likes of Peter O’Mahony and Simon Zebo. Connacht has made five changes including Aki, with fellow center Sammy Arnold and a back three including the likes of Mack Hansen and Tiernan O’Halloran looking to cause damage. Munster will win this, but I like Connacht to cover at +15.5.
Cardiff Blues VS. Sharks – Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Another interesting-looking class sees Cardiff host the Sharks at the Arms Park. All 10 of Cardiff’s autumn international call-ups are in their 23 as they have named the strongest side possible here. Josh Turnbull is back in the side as captain, one of seven changes Dai Young has made after defeat by the Bulls last week. The Sharks have made just three changes as they end their European tour in this one before returning home for the next set of games. Captain Phepsi Buthelezi returns in the back row, but I think Cardiff will have just about enough to get over the line and cover here.
