Leinster vs Connacht
Leinster are playing their second Irish derby in two weeks and this time round they will be not be underestimating the opposition. They have selected a near full strength team with only Johnny Sexton out with injury. They were shocked last week when Ulster beat them at home and no doubt they will be looking to bounce back. Leinster are still top of the log despite the loss but Ulster have the same 24 points as they do. Connacht have run into some great form winning their last two matches against Ulster and Ospreys respectively. They are now in 6th position with 16 points and in the playoff places.
TIP: Champions Leinster almost never lose at home and have not lost two in a row at home in many years. They have selected a team that boast Irish internationals in almost all positions and they will look to stamp their authority over Connacht in the forwards. The visitors will do well to play their high tempo game as Leinster will be too strong if there are too many set pieces.The bookies have Leinster as heavy favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.11, Playabets 1.07 and Sunbet 1.09
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Connacht
- In the last six matches between the sides, Leinster have won five and Connacht one.
- Connacht won on their last visit to Leinster.
- The last match between the sides was won 50-21 by Leinster.
Latest results for both teams
Leinster lost their last match 20-10 to Ulster while Connacht beat Ospreys 46-18 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Leinster have a loose trio that will rival most international sides and Connacht will do well do keep up with them. The biggest danger to Connacht is the Leinster backline that has experienced international midfield pairing in Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw. They are great attackers and also are excellent at linking up the backline. James Lowe poses a major threat on the wing and his battle with Mack Hansen should be one of the many highlights in the game. Connacht will look to Jack Carty to ignite the backline but I feel they will have very little possession in the match. I predict Leinster to win the match by more than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath (c), 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Ryan Baird, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Cian Healy
Connacht
15 Oran McNulty, 14 Alex Wootton, 13 Sammy Arnold, 12 Peter Robb, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty (c), 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Eoghan Masterson, 5 Ultan Dillane, 4 Oisin Dowling, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Matthew Burke
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.11
Playabets 1.07
Sunbet 1.09
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-17.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-16.5) 1.84
Playabets (-16.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The Leinster pack in particular will be smarting from last week’s defeat as they were outplayed by Ulster. We can expect players like Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier to add that much needed dynamism to the pack. They will hope to get their rolling maul working as it was non-existent last time out. New flyhalf Harry Byrne had a shocker last week when he came on late in the game and will be looking for redemption in this match. The bookies are offering almost no return on the Leinster outright win therefore the value bet is the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-17.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-16.5) 1.84 and Playabets (-16.5) 1.87
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.
