Glasgow Warriors vs Leinster
Glasgow had a hard fought win in their last match against Zebre while Leinster was in great touch as they demolished the Scarlets 50-15. Leinster will be mindful that they lost on their last visit to the Warriors. There have been many changes since then notably the Leinster team is almost close to full strength. Glasgow showed in their earlier games in the URC that they sorely missed the departed Scottish flyhalf Adam Hastings but in the last game the selection of Duncan Weir brought some much needed fluency to their game. Leinster has no such issues and their attack was in sublime form led by the maestro Johnny Sexton. He controlled all aspects of the game and his decision making as to when to kick and when to run is the hallmark of his game. The Warriors need to be weary from the first whistle as Leinster love to come out firing on all cylinders.
TIP: One of the key areas will be the scrum and both teams have internationals scattered all across their front rows. Leinster has Irish props Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter while the Warriors have Scottish internationals Oli Kebble and James Bhatti to call on. The scrum provides Leinster the platform to launch so many of their attacks and if Glasgow can disrupt them at the scrums then they could cause an upset. Leinster have class throughout their team but the hard work must be done by the forwards so the Warriors need to cut the supply up front so a lot will depend on the Glasgow’s pack ability to attack the breakdowns. The bookies have Leinster as heavy favourites and right so. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.20, Playabets 1.17 and Sunbet 1.18
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Glasgow Warriors vs Leinster
- In the last five matches between the sides there have been four Leinster wins to the one Glasgow win.
- In the last 10 home games against Leinster there are five wins apiece.
- There has only been one draw between the sides in 2010.
Latest results for both teams
Glasgow won their last match 17-6 against Zebre while Leinster beat Scarlets 50-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Glasgow are one of the more entertaining teams in the URC with their high tempo ball in hand approach and this could be the best way to play against Leinster. It will be futile to get into an arm wrestle with the Irish giants as they have too much firepower in the forwards. The likes of Nick Grigg and Sione Tuipulotu need to control the midfield and both these players are physical and strong ball carriers. Warriors will look to them to get over the advantage line giving the backs like Rufus McLean space to run in. He has shown that he has great pace and is dangerous if given a yard of space. The Leinster backline is star studded and when they on a roll it’s almost impossible to defend against. The overall quality of the Leinster team makes me predict an away victory by less than 11 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Glasgow Warriors
15 Cole Forbes, 14 Sebastian Cancelliere, 13 Nick Grigg, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Rufus McLean, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 George Horne, 8 Ryan Wilson (c), 7 Rory Darge, 6 Ally Miller, 5 Richie Gray, 4 Lewis Bean, 3 Oli Kebble, 2 Johnny Matthews, 1 Jamie Bhatti
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Ciarán Frawley, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.20
Playabets 1.17
Sunbet 1.18
Odds comparison on the Glasgow handicap :
The complete odds on the Glasgow handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+10.5) 1.97
Playabets (+11.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
The Leinster team have the strongest forward pack in the competition but it is their loose trio that is most impressive. The all Irish international trio of Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris will hold their own against any international side so the Glasgow loose trio will be in for a tough afternoon. The best option for the Warriors is to move the ball around and avoid too many set pieces. This is a risk and reward strategy as running from their own half is also fraught with danger as any mistakes will be punished by the like of Hugo Keenan and Jordan Larmour. These two young players are among the most dangerous attackers in the league and need to be closely watched by Glasgow. There is no money for punters backing Leinster on the outright victory therefore I suggest a value bet on the Glasgow handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+10.5) 1.97 and Playabets (+11.5) 1.84m
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.
