Connacht vs Stormers
Connacht will be playing for their season when they play host to the Stormers in this crucial URC encounter. The home side are currently in ninth position, four points outside of the playoff positions. They need nothing less than a bonus point win as their last match of the season is away to Leinster. The Stormers are in fifth spot and will be looking for two wins in their last two matches to try and snatch a top four position which will give them home advantage for the quarter finals. Connacht have only lost twice at home this season but have not looked their dominant best in recent matches in Galway.
TIP: If Connacht are to beat the Stormers, they will need more from Irish international Bundee Aki. He has been Irelands best player for a while but has not translated that form to his club. The home side need a huge improvement after they were drubbed by Munster in the last match. The Stormers will be looking to replicate their second half performance from Dragons match as they played champagne rugby, scoring four tries. The bookies have the Stormers as favorites but I am tipping Connacht for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 3.10, SoccerShop 3.10 and Bettabets 3.10
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Connacht vs Stormers
- The Stormers have won two of the three previous matches between the sides.
- All three matches have been won by the home side.
Latest results for both teams
Connacht lost 47-12 to Munster in their last match while the Stormers beat the Dragons 44-21 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Connacht play their best rugby when they adopt a ball in hand approach but that requires their forward pack to lay the platform for them. The pack will have its work cut out for them as they come up against a Stormers team with an aggressive and powerful pack. The contest at scrum time will go a long way to deciding the winner. If Connacht can at least gain parity in the scrums then they could shock the Stormers. The home sides powerful midfield of Tom Farrell and Aki will be the key for Connacht, if they can get over the advantage line then that will open spaces for the likes of Byron Ralston. I am predicting a home win by 9 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Shane Jennings, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Byron Ralston, 10 Jack Carty (captain), 9 Matthew Devine, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Shamus Hurley-Langton, 5 Oisín Dowling, 4 Joe Joyce, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Peter Dooley.
Stormers
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Willie Engelbrecht, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Connacht victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 3.10
SoccerShop 3.10
Bettabets 3.10
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap:
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+6.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (+6.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are great odds on the Connacht upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then the home team on the handicap is an excellent choice. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (+6.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (+6.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+6.5)
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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.