Ulster vs Munster
The first of the URC quarter finals sees Ulster play host to Munster in an all Irish affair. The home team finished the regular season with a win against the Sharks to secure the home playoff match while Munster lost their final league game against a weakened Leinster team that saw them finish outside of the top four. Matches between these teams are always physical and this promises to be no different. The home side will miss the services of their electric fullback Mike Lowry because of injury but they have an able replacement in Stewart Moore.
TIP: The match will feature big name players from both sides and will probably be decided by one moment of brilliance from one of them. Munster were given a major boost when it was announced that Gavin Coombes was fit to play. He has been their player of the season and his head to head battle with Springbok Duane Vermeulen looks to be one of the highlights of the match. The bookies have Ulster as slight favourites but I am going for the upset Munster win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.60, Playabets 2.55 and Sunbet 2.60
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Munster
- Munster have won the last three matches between the sides.
- Ulster have only lost once in their last five home matches against Munster.
- The home team has won ten of the last eleven matches in this fixture.
Latest results for both teams
Ulster won their last match 24-21 against the Sharks while Ulster lost 35-25 against Leinster in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Munster team seem to have the measure of Ulster when it comes to their potent backline but this match will be a real test for Rob Baloucoune as he goes up against the Irish international wingers in Keith Earls and Andrew Conway. There is also the midfield battle with Springbok Damian de Allende facing Irish internationals James Hume and Stuart McCloskey. All three players are very physical so there could be bone crunching tackles throughout the match. The player that I feel will tilt the match Munster’s way will be Captain Peter O’Mahony. He is the inspiration that drives this team and most of their losses were when he was not in the team. We are backing Munster to win by 4 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Stewart Moore, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Ethan McIlroy, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Marcus Rea, 5 Iain Henderson (c), 4 Alan O’Connor, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Andrew Warwick
Munster
15 Mike Haley, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Chris Farrell, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Peter O’Mahony (c), 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Josh Wycherley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Munster victory are as follows:
Playabets 2.55
Sunbet 2.60
Odds comparison on the Munster handicap:
The complete odds on the Munster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+3.5) 1.89
Playabets (+3.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Both teams have been using the roiling maul to great effect but Ulster are currently the best in the competition with regard to the number of tries they score from the maul. They will have it tough in this match as they are up against a Munster team that have the best maul defence with O’Mahony always at the fore front. There are great odds on the Munster upset win but if you looking for a safer bet then I suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+3.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+3.5) 1.81
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.
