Ulster vs Connacht
Its quarter final time in the URC as second placed Ulster take on 7th placed Connacht in the first quarter final at the Kingspan Stadium. Ulster have been excellent at home this season, winning seven of their nine matches while Connacht have generally struggled on the road with just 3 wins from their nine away games. The home team have won their last five matches at the Kingspan and have found form at the right time. The visitors on the other hand have lost two of their last three matches which includes a narrow loss to Glasgow Warriors last time out.
TIP: The all Irish affair is sure to be a fierce battle that will be won by the stronger forward pack. The battle at the set pieces look to be evenly matched although the Ulster pack have been ruthless with their driving maul which is among the best in Europe. Connacht will need to have their maul defence in top form if they are to survive the expected mauling onslaught. 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 1.22, Gbets 1.22 and Hollywoodbets 1.20
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Connacht
- Ulster have won three of the last five matches against Connacht.
- Ulster have only lost once in their last six home matches against Connacht.
Latest results for both teams
Ulster beat Edinburgh 28-14 in their last match while Connacht lost 29-27 to Glasgow in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams have plenty of international quality with the midfield battle lining up to be one of the highlights of the match. Bundee Aki and Tom Farrell will be going up against the all Irish international pair of James Hume and Stuart McCloskey with the winners of this contest going a long way to helping their team win. Connacht are a team that love running the ball with dangerous players like Mack Hansen and John Porch in their backline. Ulster also have threats in their backline in the form of Mike Lowry and Robert Baloucoune and it depends if the respective teams flyhalves can link up with these players. The experience of Ulster makes me predict a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Mike Lowry, 11 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 Marcus Rea, 6 David McCann, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (captain), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Eric O’Sullivan.
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty (captain), 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Niall Murray, 4 Josh Murphy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dylan Tierney-Martin, 1 Denis Buckley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Ulster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.22
Gbets 1.22
Hollywoodbets 1.20
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap:
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+12.5)
Gbets 1.88 (+12.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+12.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Ulster outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+12.5), Gbets 1.88 (+12.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+12.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Crusaders vs Western Force
Cheetahs vs WP
Bristol vs Gloucester
Rebels vs Brumbies
Toulouse vs Bordeaux Begles
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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.
