Lions vs Ulster
The Lions return to Emirates Park after an extremely successful tour that saw them win all three of their matches in Europe. They left the best for last as they overcame a international laden Edinburgh team 22-19 on their last match on tour. They will have their work cut out in this match as they face Irish giants Ulster. The visitors were highly impressive in their last match as they thrashed Welsh side the Ospreys 47-17. Both teams have lost one match this season but Ulster are three points ahead of the Lions thanks to their bonus points.
TIP: The word rebuilding is often used when describing this Lions side as they have the youngest squad in the competition but they have gelled superbly to win all their overseas games. They are one of the few teams that have no real superstars but all the players work as a cohesive unit. The Lions team will be tested by a very experienced Ulster team that includes Springbok Duane Vermeulen. The bookies have Ulster as favourites but I am tipping the Lions for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.75, Playabets 2.65 and Sunbet 2.50
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Ulster
- Ulster beat the Lions 26-10 in these teams only previous meeting.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions won their last match 22-19 against Edinburgh while Ulster beat the Ospreys 47-17 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Lions and Ulster enjoy playing a high tempo game so there should be plenty of running rugby in this match. The Lions player that has attracted the most attention this season has been Henco van Wyk. He was brilliant in the win over Edinburgh and his battle with opposite number Stuart McCloskey promises to be one of the hihghlights of the match. The Lions will again look to their excellent defence to get them the win as they have used the rush defence to great effect. We are expecting the Lions to win this match in the last quarter due to the altitude. I predict a Lions win by 6 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Quan Horn, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (c), 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith
Ulster
15 Michael Lowry, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Rob Lyttle, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 Dave McCann, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Gareth Milasinovich, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.75
Playabets 2.65
Sunbet 2.50
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+3.5) 1.89
Playabets (+3.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent returns on the Lions upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+14.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+14.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+14.5) 1.84
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.