Edinburgh vs Lions Tips - Lions backed in handicap market in URC

While the hosts are massive favourites, the 11 point handicap seems a bit generous given the form of the two sides. I am backing the Lions to get within 11 points.

In their only previous meeting the Lions beat Edinburgh 15-9 in Johannesburg last season.

Edinburgh began the 2022/23 URC season well with a magnificent 44-6 victory over the Dragons on home soil. They then toured South Africa where results didn’t go according to plan.

First up Edinburgh lost 33-31 to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. It was a tight contest that could easily have gone in Edinburgh’s favour.

Last week Edinburgh were again impressive in parts but lost 34-18 at the Stormers. One consolation will be that those were very tough away fixtures against the finalists from last season.

Edinburgh are likely to make a few changes. They have returned from a grueling tour of South Africa so fresh legs should be the order of the day.

The Lions have probably been the surprise of the United Rugby Championship to date. After three rounds they have won two and lost one.

On the opening weekend the Lions lost to local rivals Bulls 31-15 at home. They then departed on a tour to Europe.

In their first overseas fixture the Lions defeated Ospreys 28-27 in an absolute nail-biter. Last week the Lions again upset the odds, beating Cardiff 31-18 away from home. They will hope to continue this away form in Scotland this coming weekend.

Ivan van Rooyen has made two changes to his starting lineup this week. Ruan Venter comes in at flank with Emmanuel Tshituka dropping to the bench. Edwill van der Merwe misses out through concussion which sees Stean Pienaar make a return to the wing.