Ulster vs Sale Sharks
Ulster plays host to the Sale Sharks at the Kingspan Stadium in this crucial match in the Champions Cup. The home team will have double motivation in this match as they chase a place in the round of 16. In the reverse fixture Ulster had one of their most embarrassing days in their proud European history when they were thrashed 36-0. Sale and Ulster are currently in 9th and 10th place on the table and a win for either side, coupled with a Clermont loss will see the vistor sneak into the knockout stage.
TIP: In a cruel twist of fate, Ulster are playing their fourth match but this is their first home match. They have played two matches on the road and their previous home match was moved to Dublin and played with no crowd due to a frozen pitch. Ulster are a different beast on their home patch and will be going all out for the victory that could see them qualify by winning just a single match. In their defence, they had arguably the hardest draw in the competition twice facing defending champions, La Rochelle and playing them away on both occasions.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Sale Sharks
- Sale won the only previous match between the sides 39-0
Latest results for both teams
Ulster lost 7-3 to La Rochelle in the last match while Sale lost 27-5 to Toulouse in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both these teams play a very similar style of rugby, whereby they use their forwards to dominate the opposition. This tactic will not work in this match as the packs are very evenly matched. Ulster have had the best rolling maul in Europe over the past two seasons but don’t seem to have a Plan B if this weapon is nullified by the opposition. They will be hoping that their all international midfield pairing of James Hume and Stuart McCloskey will give them the go forward ball they so desperately need. Their battle with England powerhouse Manu Tuilagi promises to be one of the highlights of the match. I am backing Ulster to win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Michael Lowry, 14 Rob Lyttle, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Harry Sheridan, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Andy Warwick
Sale Sharks
15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Sam James, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Arron Reed, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Ben Curry (c), 6 Jono Ross, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Josh Beaumont, 3 James Harper, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Bevan Rodd
Odds for this bet
The best odds on Ulster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.45
Playabets 1.46
Sunbet 1.47
Odds comparison on the Ulster handicap:
The complete odds on the Ulster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89
Playabets (-5.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns of the Ulster outright victory therefore we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90,Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-5.5) 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.
