Connacht vs Munster
This all Irish match should produce plenty of fireworks as both teams have been in good form coming into this match. Connacht are in 8th position with 16 points while Munster are in 7th position on 19 points. Munster have two games in hand. Connacht know that a victory is crucial for them as it will take them above Munster. If they lose, then the chances of catching Munster will be very slim as they have played two extra games. There is a lot more importance attached to this match for Connacht.
TIP: Connacht have a very good home record losing just once in their last five home matches so the task awaiting Munster will not be an easy one. The home team will look to continue playing their open expansive brand of rugby while Munster are happy keeping the ball amongst the forwards. Irish derbies are always very physical and expect the same in this match. The bookies have Connacht as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.95, Playabets 1.85 and Sunbet 1.87
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Connacht vs Munster
- Munster have won four of the last five matches against Connacht.
- Connacht have lost their last three home matches against Munster.
- Connacht last beat Munster at home in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
Connacht lost their last match 29-23 to Leicester Tigers while Munster beat Castres 19-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Munster selectors have not gone with their strongest forwards pack for this match and this tactic will backfire in this match. Connacht have shown that their scrum can stand up to any front row they face. Connacht have their star player Bundee Aki ready for this match and the highlight of the match will be his contest with opposite number Damian de Allende. Both players are strong ball carriers and their clashes will be brutal. The home team will be lifted by the crowd and that is the reason I’m predicting a tight win for the home team by 4 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Sammy Arnold, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty (c), 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Oisín Dowling, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Matthew Burke
Munster
15 Mike Haley, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Chris Farrell, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Ben Healy, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Jack O’Donoghue (c), 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Odds for this bet
Worldsportsbetting 1.95
Playabets 1.85
Sunbet 1.87
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.94
Playabets (-1.5) 1.94
Predictions and Odds in details
The Connacht team are always pumped up for the Irish derbies and especially at home they will be raring to go from the first whistle. The return of the dangerous Mack Hansen for Connacht will spell danger for Munster as he has been in scintillating form this season before his injury. The bookies are offering decent returns on the Connacht win but I suggest the value bet of the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-1.5) 1.94 and Playabets (-1.5) 1.94
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.
