Stormers vs Connacht
The Stormers welcome Connacht to the Cape Town Stadium for this semi-final match in the URC. The hosts and defending champions easily saw off the challenge of last year’s finalists the Bulls in the quarter finals. The visitors produced an amazing performance in their quarterfinal as they beat the heavily fancied Ulster in their own back yard. The Stormers will be weary of this Connacht team who have been playing excellent rugby in the second half of the season. The one question that remains is can the Connacht players pick themselves up for another brutal away fixture within a week?
TIP: The travel factor is also bound to play a role in the visitors preparations while the Stormers have had the comfort of a week to prepare at home. Connacht have no fresh injury concerns as they will need a full strength squad to try and topple the champions. The Stormers are sweating over the fitness of breakdown king Deon Fourie as he battles a hamstring strain. The bookies have the Stormers as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.17, Gbets 1.18 and Hollywoodbets 1.18
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Stormers vs Connacht
- These teams have met twice before with each team winning once.
- The home has been victorious in both matches.
Latest results for both teams
The Stormers beat the Bulls 33-21 in their last match while Connacht beat Ulster 15-10 in the last match.
PREDICTION
Connacht could find a fortunate ally in the form of the Cape Town stadium’s surface.The underfoot has been poor which nullifies the Stormers scrum. Connacht must still play their natural game which is to keep ball in hand as the home team have the advantage in the set pieces. The return to form of Mannie Libbok was a major boost for the Stormers as he puts the whole team on the front foot when he is on song. The visitors will again look to their impressive loose trio to disrupt the breakdown and more importantly, win turnover ball at the breakdown. This match will be a bridge to far for Connacht therefore I am tipping a Stormers win by 20 points
Probable Starting XVs
Stormers
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain)
Connacht
5 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty (captain), 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Cian Prendergast, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 5 Niall Murray, 4 Josh Murphy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Denis Buckley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Stormers victory are as follows:
Betway 1.17
Gbets 1.18
Hollywoodbets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Stormers handicap:
The complete odds on the Stormers handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-14.5)
Gbets 1.88 (-14.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.85 (-14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Stormers outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-14.5), Gbets 1.88 (-14.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.85 (-14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Griffons vs WP
Pumas vs Sharks
Griquas vs Bulls
Saracens vs Northampton Saints
Brumbies vs Highlanders
Cheetahs Vs Lions
Checkout the betting latest offers here
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.
