Lions vs Connacht
Just two points separate these two teams on the log so we can expect a close contest. The Lions were crushed 37-10 in their last match against the Sharks while Connacht were also on the receiving end of a drubbing when they lost 56-20 to Leinster. Both teams don’t have realistic hope of reaching the playoffs although it is still mathematically possible. The Lions at home have been fantastic so Connacht will need to be at their best if they are to win this match. The home team received a massive boost when Captain Burger Odendaal was declared fir for this match.
TIP: Connacht need a fast start in this match as the Lions have been superb in the second half of their matches. The major advantage to the Lions in the second half is the altitude therefore the Irish team won’t want to be trailing in the second half. Connacht have been struggling with their scrum and the Lions will no doubt look to attack this area. If the visitors can match the home team in the scrum they will win this match. The bookies have the Lions as favourites but I tip Connacht on the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.85, Playabets 2.80 and Sunbet 2.60
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Connacht
- This is the first meeting between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost their last match 37-10 to the Sharks while Connacht were beaten 56-20 by Leinster in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Lions looked lost in their last match without their skipper and he will lead from the front with his powerful carries through the centre. Both teams have excellent wingers and if the ball can be spread to the wings then we will see plenty of tries. Jack Carty and Jordan Hendrikse hold the key with their kicking from hand as both teams have deadly attackers in their backline to exploit any wayward kicking. The contest that stands out is Odendaal up against Irish international Bundee Aki. The player that can get over the advantage line will put their team in a great position to win the match. I am predicting an upset win for the visitors by 4 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Francke Horn, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole
Connacht:
15 Mack Hansen, 14 John Porch, 13 Bundee Aki, 12 Tom Daly, 11 Alex Wootton, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Niall Murray, 4 Oisín Dowling, 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Denis Buckley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Connacht victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.85
Playabets 2.80
Sunbet 2.60
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap :
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+4.5) 1.89
Playabets (+4.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The man the Lions need to watch closely is Mack Hansen. He has been in brilliant form this season for both Connacht and Ireland. He is lighting quick and if given space he will prove deadly. The Lions pride themselves on forward dominance and if Connacht resists them then the upset is on the cards. There are great odds on the Connacht win but if you looking for a safety bet then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+4.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+4.5) 1.81
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.
