Connacht vs Bulls
Both teams are coming off first round losses and will be eager to get their first victory. The Bulls were utterly demolished by Leinster and didn’t even score a try. Connacht looked good in their game against the Blues but it was their indiscipline that ultimately cost them the match. The Bulls renowned for having a dominant pack were made to look ordinary by a Leinster pack full of international quality. They should have it easier in this match as the home team does have a huge dominant pack. The home team is always very difficult to beat on their patch and the Bulls will face an uphill battle. Connacht is famous for their running game and the Bulls will need to dominate with the pack to stop them from getting good ball to their backs. The Bulls team must revert to their traditional game which is to keep the ball amongst the forwards as this will be their best opportunity to beat Connacht
TIP: The battle in the front row seems to favour the Bulls especially after former Springbok Bismarck du Plessis has joined the Bulls. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience but he is also one of the best fetchers at breakdown time. Connacht will look to inspirational Captain Jarrad Butler for guidance in this match as he is one of the few players to have faced the Bulls before. He was at the Brumbies in Super Rugby and will offer valuable insight into how the Bulls play. Connacht will look to their driving maul to once again create try scoring opportunities for them but that won’t be easy against a very big Bulls pack. Lineout time will be interesting as both sides enjoy mauling. The side with the better maul defence will come out on top. The bookies have the Irish team as favourites and I’m also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.57, Playabets 1.54 and Sunbet 1.67
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Connacht vs Bulls
- This is the first meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Connacht lost their last match against Cardiff Blues by 33-21 while the Bulls lost against Leinster 31-3.
PREDICTION
The Bulls have been multiple champions in SA the past two seasons but have found the competition in Europe very tough. They are used of the set piece plays while in Europe the game is faster and seems that the players are fitter. Connacht will look to play a high tempo game and they have an international pairing at halfback. Both Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion are running halfbacks so the Bulls must beware not to give them space and time on the ball. One of the highlights will be Carty up against Johan Goosen and they are very similar in the sense that they are not afraid to attack from their own territory. The Bulls have Marcell Coetzee who has played against Connacht in his time with Ulster. They need his insight to assist them with the home side’s style of play. The Bulls do not travel well therefore I’m going for a Connacht win by more than 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Tom Daly, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Jarrad Butler (c), 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Ultan Dillane, 4 Oisin Dowling, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Shane Delahunt, 1 Matthew Burke
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Connacht victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.57
Playabets 1.54
Sunbet 1.67
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.92
Playabets (-3.5) 1.54
Predictions and Odds in details
The home team will be missing their midfield kingpin Bundee Aki who is on his mandatory rest period but they still have dangerous runners in their backline like Tiernan O’Halloran and Mack Hansen. Hansen has newly arrived from the Brumbies and I’m looking forward to his clash with Cornal Hendricks. Both players have great pace and they will no doubt be testing each other’s defensive skills. The home team will look to attack Madosh Tambwe on the wing as he has shown to have defensive problems although he is great at attacking. This match will ultimately come down to whether the home team can with stand the Bulls forwards onslaught. If they can gain parity in the pack then the home team will run out winners. The bookies are offering decent money 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 (-3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-2.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-3.5) 1.54
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.
