Leinster vs Bulls
The Bulls face a daunting task as they take on the Irish giants in their own backyard. Leinster overcame the disappointment of losing the Champions Cup final to La Rochelle by destroying Glasgow 76-14 in their last match. The Bulls hard a much more difficult match against the Sharks which they eventually won in injury time thanks to a drop goal from Chris Smith. The visitors lost 31-3 in their only previous match against Leinster and will need a massive improvement from that game if they are to run the home side close.
TIP: The Bulls may not have any current Springbok internationals in their squad but they certainly have a team that punches well above their weight. Leinster on the other hand are almost an entire Irish international team with just a handful of players not capped at international level. They received a major boost when it was announced that Jonny Sexton will be fit for this match albeit from the bench. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.10, Playabets 1.11 and Sunbet 1.09
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Bulls
- The only previous match between the sides ended 31-3 to Leinster.
Latest results for both teams
Leinster won their last match 76-14 against Glasgow while the Bulls won 30-27 against the Bulls.
PREDICTION
The might of Leinster will be favourites coming into this match but the Bulls have shown in this competition that their game has evolved and they now play a game that inter links backs and forwards. They will need to be accurate with their kicking game as Leinster have great counter attacking players like Jimmy O’Brien and Jordan Larmour. The battle between the all Irish midfield of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw up against Cornal Hendricks and Harold Vorster promises to be one of the highlights of the match. The Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee will need to be at his best to compete against the likes of Josh van der Flier who is among the best flankers in world rugby. I am predicting a Leinster win by 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Rory O’Loughlin, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (c), 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Bulls
15 Canan Moodie, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.10
Playabets 1.11
Sunbet 1.09
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.80
Sunbet (-14.5) 1.86
Playabets (-14.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Knockout matches are decided by the forwards and this match will be no exception. The Bulls one weakness has been their scrum and they will be severely tested by the Leinster front row who are all Irish internationals. If the visitors can find parity in the scrum then they could be competitive but their lineout maul defence also needs to be on point as they struggled against the Sharks. Leinster on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.80, Sunbet (-14.5) 1.86 and Playabets (-14.5) 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.
