Connacht vs Ulster
It’s an all-Irish derby as Connacht welcome Ulster to Galway for this URC fixture. Both teams will be in confident mood as they recorded impressive victories over Edinburgh and the Bulls respectively. Connacht have proven difficult to beat on their home patch so Ulster will need to be at their best to get a win. The home side have played an attractive brand of rugby this season and are more than willing to attack from deep led by their new recruit JJ Hanrahan. Ulster will be delighted with the form of Jacob Stockdale as he is showing the form that made him an Irish international.
TIP: There shouldn’t be too many changes for Connacht as they won’t want to tamper with a winning team although they could be boosted by the return of their Irish internationals. Ulster have been consistent with their selections over the first two rounds and there should be no reason for change as they are unbeaten. The match will be decided in the forwards and this is an area that the home team have the edge. The bookies have Ulster as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.83, Gbets 1.83 and Hollywoodbets 1.84
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Connacht vs Ulster
- Ulster have won three of the last four matches against Connacht.
- Connacht won the last match between the sides.
- Latest results for both teams
Connacht beat Glasgow 34-26 in their last match while Ulster beat the Bulls 26-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The home team will need their maul defence to be at its best as Ulster have arguably the most dangerous driving maul in Europe. If Connacht can nullify the maul threat, they are well on their way to victory. The visitors will be looking to flyhalf Billy Burns to link up their dangerous backline that includes Stockdale and the flying wing Rob Baloucoune. Connacht have shown they are more than willing to keep ball in hand with centre Tom Farrell being their best player over the opening two matches. He always gets over the advantage line and breaks tackles at will. I am predicting a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Cathal Forde, 11 Diarmuid Kilgallen, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Caolin Blade (captain), 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Joe Joyce, 4 Niall Murray, 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 1 Denis Buckley
Ulster
15 Will Addison, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Jude Postlethwaite, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Dave McCann, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 4 Alan O’Connor (captain), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Andy Warwick
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Connacht victory are as follows:
Betway 1.83
Gbets 1.83
Hollywoodbets 1.84
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap:
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-1.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-1.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-1.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Connacht outright win but for better odds we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-1.5), Gbets 1.87 (-1.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-1.5)
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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.
