Ulster vs Connacht
It’s an all Irish affair in this URC match as Ulster take on Connacht. The hosts are in third place with 31 points while the visitors are in 8th position with 20 points. Ulster have won five of their last six matches. Their only defeat in this period was against Munster. Connacht after a great start to the season have lost their last three matches. Ulster have struggled to put in an 80 minute performance and Connacht could be in trouble if they get it right. Both teams are missing their Irish players who are on national duty.
TIP: Ulster have been dominating teams with their powerful forwards pack led by Springbok Duane Vermeulen. Their rolling maul has been unstoppable and it’s the main reason for their great season. Connacht will need to find a way to defend the maul or this match could be over as a contest early on. The bookies are favoring the home team and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on the Ulster win are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.24, Playabets 1.24, and Sunbet 1.27
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Northampton Saints
- Connacht have won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- Ulster have lost two of their last four home matches against Connacht.
- The last match between the sides was won by Connacht 36-11.
Latest results for both teams
Ulster beat Scarlets 27-15 in their last match while Connacht lost their last match 42-20 to Glasgow.
PREDICTION
Connacht needs to stick to their high tempo game and move the heavy Ulster pack around the field. They will be their best chance of victory. Ulster on the other hand will want a set piece dominated game where their forwards can flex their muscles. The player that Connacht will need to watch closely is Nathan Doak as he has had a brilliant season thus far. He has a great eye for the gap and is excellent with his place kicking and goal kicking. Connacht need their senior players to step up if they are to cause an upset. I predict Ulster to win by less than 10 points
- Confirmed Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Ethan McIlroy, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Ben Moxham, 12 Angus Curtis, 11 Rob Lyttle, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 Greg Jones, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 John Andrew, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Alex Wootton, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Sammy Arnold, 11 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 10 Cathal Forde, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Jarrad Butler (c), 6 Eoghan Masterson, 5 Leva Fifita, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Greg McGrath, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Jordan Duggan
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Ulster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.24
Playabets 1.24,
Sunbet 1.27
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90
Playabets (+9.5) 1.84
Sunbet (+9.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
We can expect a titanic battle as all Irish derby matches are hotly contested. The most interesting battle will be between the two number nines, Kieran Marmion and Nathan Doak. The scrumhalf that can get his team on the front foot will carry his team to victory. There are very poor returns on the Ulster outright win therefore I suggest the value bet of Connacht on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90, Playabets (+9.5) 1.84 and Sunbet (+9.5) 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.
