Lions vs Leinster
The Lions play host to log leaders Leinster in this URC fixture at the Emirates Stadium. The home team are chasing a playoff berth as they sit in 11th place but are just a point off the team in eighth place. The visitors are looking to consolidate their position at the top but will have to do it with a team that is unrecognizable from their last match. They have made 15 changes as they seek to keep their first team fresh for the playoffs. The Lions will be thankful for this as they seek a win to stay in the race for the quarter finals.
TIP: The Lions have gone back to playing Sanele Nohamba in the flyhalf position after a poor showing by Jordan Hendrickse in the last match. The obvious advantage for the home side is that they have a tried and tested XV in this match while Leinster may struggle for rhythm as many of these players have not had match in a while. They do however have plenty of experience in the form of ex-All Black Charlie Ngatai. The bookies have the Lions as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.53, Gbets 1.53 and Hollywoodbets 1.55
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Lions vs Leinster
- Leinster have won both the previous two matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost 27-17 to Benetton in their last match while Leinster beat La Rochelle 40-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Lions will need to show more attacking intent in this match as kicking away possession could be dangerous with the Leinster back three all dangerous counter attackers. The home side have proven to have one of the strongest scrums in the league while the visitors have struggled in the front row especially with the second-string team. Nohamba is the key to the Lions success as every attack goes through with Leinster no doubt looking to attack his channel. One of the highlights in the match will be the contest between both sets of wingers as they all have pace to burn. The forward pack of the Lions will see them to a 6-point victory.
Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (c), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Morgan Naude
Leinster
15 Ciarán Frawley, 14 Rob Russell, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Andrew Osborne, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny (c), 6 Diarmuid Mangan, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Lee Barron, 1 Cian Healy
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Betway 1.53
Gbets 1.53
Hollywoodbets 1.55
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-2.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-2.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Lions outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-2.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-2.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Glasgow vs Sharks
Ulster vs Cardiff
Saracens vs Gloucester
Connacht vs Zebre
Edinburgh vs Scarlets
Benetton vs Dragons
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.
