Leinster vs Dragons
The only unbeaten team in the competition, Leinster takes on the Dragons at the RDS Arena for this match in the United Rugby Championships. This is the ultimate David vs Goliath contest despite the home team missing more than 10 regulars due to national duties and injury. The home team have won 13 out of 13 matches and have all but sewn up top spot on the table. They are 11 points clear of second placed Stormers. The Dragons on the other hand are floundering in second to last position on the log with just three wins in their 13 matches.
TIP: The Dragons will only be playing for pride as they are 15 points off the playoff positions. This could possibly allow them to play without fear for they have nothing to lose as they are the rank underdogs. It almost seems inevitable that Leinster will win with a bonus point but complacency could be their biggest enemy. The visitors will be hoping for a good start otherwise the score could get ugly. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.02, Gbets 1.02 and Hollywoodbets 1.03
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Dragons
- Leinster have beaten the Dragons in their last 11 meetings.
- The last match time the Dragons beat Leinster was back in 2016.
Latest results for both teams
Leinster beat Cardiff 34-18 in their last match while the Dragons lost 42-28 to Glasgow in their last match.
PREDICTION
Leinster have such incredible depth that even their B team is too strong for some teams as was evident in their last match when they comfortably beat a near full strength Cardiff team. The Dragons will be looking to powerful backrowers Ross Moriarty and Taine Basham to get them over the advantage line against the notoriously tight Leinster defence. The home team will look to take on the visitors in the forwards that will lay the platform for their backs to run free. If the Dragons can score early, then they could put Leinster under pressure although this is no easy task. We are backing Leinster to win by more than 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Brian Deeny, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 John McKee, 1 Michael Milne
Dragons
15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Sio Tomkinson, 13 Steff Hughes, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Will Reed, 9 Rhodri Williams (c), 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Taine Basham, 6 Ben Fry, 5 Ben Carter, 4 Matthew Screech, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 2 Brodie Coghlan, 1 Rhodri Jones
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.02
Gbets 1.02
Hollywoodbets 1.03
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-19.5)
Gbets 1.88 (-19.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (-19.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Cardiff outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows Betway 1.85 (-19.5), Gbets 1.88 (-19.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (-19.5)
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.
