Ulster vs Clermont
Ulster are looking to complete the double over Clermont after their away win in the reversal fixture. The home team are trying to claim the top spot which will guarantee them a home fixture in the knockout stage. Clermont currently occupy a qualifying spot but need a win to secure their spot. If they lose and the two teams below them win then they will be eliminated. They have not picked their try scoring machine Damian Penaud for this clash which is strange as this match is a potential knockout game for them.
TIP: Ulster will not be happy with anything less than a win and a try scoring bonus point. They will look to unleash their dangerous backs on Clermont and target young Clermont fullback Cheik Tiberghien. He will no doubt be tested in the air with Robert Baloucoune breathing down his neck for every up and under. Clermont will be looking for revenge after their home loss to Ulster. The bookies have Ulster favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.35, Playabets 1.34 and Sunbet 1.29
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Clermont
- Ulster have won four of the seven meeting between these sides.
- Ulster recorded the first away win in this fixture the last time the sides met.
- The home team has won six of the seven matches between these teams.
Latest results for both teams
Ulster won their last match 24-20 against Saints while Clermont beat the Sale Sharks 25-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Ulster with a full house behind them and will come out all guns firing in this match. They will want to attack with their powerhouse forwards pack and put Clermont under pressure as they are notorious for cracking in the big games. The standout player for the hosts has been James Hume who is probably the form centre in Ireland at the moment. He has been devastating in attack and will test the Clermont defence all game. Clermont have former Munster flyhalf JJ Hanrahan at 10 and he will use his knowledge of Ulster to help his teammates. The Ulster will be too strong for Clermont and I predict a home win by more than 13 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Mike Lowry, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Angus Curtis, 11 Ethan McIlroy, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Marcus Rea, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Clermont
5 Cheik Tiberghien, 14 Marvin O’Connor, 13 Jean-Pascal Barraque, 12 Tani Vili, 11 Alivereti Raka, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Jacobus van Tonder, 7 Lucas Dessaigne, 6 Judicaël Cancoriet (c), 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Paul Jedrasiak, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Yohan Beheregaray, 1 Etienne Falgoux
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Ulster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.35
Playabets 1.34
Sunbet 1.29
Odds comparison on the Ulster handicap :
The complete odds on the Ulster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-8.5) 1.93
Playabets (-7.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
Clermont have threats all over their team but the omission of players like George Moala and Penaud will limit their attacking ability. Having said this they still have Alivereti Raka who can be devastating when he gets the ball in space. Ulster will look to their rolling maul as this has been a major source of tries for them this season. If Clermont don’t find a way to stop the maul the match could be over very early for them. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Ulster outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-8.5) 1.93 and Playabets (-7.5) 1.87
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.
