Lions vs Ospreys
The Lions had a great come from behind victory over Munster in the last match while the Ospreys had a bye. This is the first ever meeting between the sides. The Lions are in 13th on the log while the Ospreys currently occupy ninth position. The Lions have won their last two matches and looked like a team transformed especially since Jordan Hendrikse has been handed the flyhalf berth. The Ospreys also had a win in their last match when they beat Zebre. The Welsh team have a very poor away record losing their last four matches on the road.
TIP: The Lions showed great fighting spirit in their match against Munster and will again be looking to their great defence to win them this match. The Ospreys have a very simple game plan and that is to kick at every opportunity. They seldom run the ball in their own half and prefer to contest the up and unders. They will need to be wary of Edwill van der Merwe as he is brilliant in the air. The bookies have the Lions as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.23 and Sunbet 1.26.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Ospreys
- This is the first meeting between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions beat Munster 23-21 in their last match while the Ospreys beat Zebre 27-22 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Ospreys have struggled to score tries this season but they have relied on a resolute defensive to gain them victories but on the road this tactic has not worked. The Lions can call on Hendrikse with his siege gun boot to bail them out of any problems and his also excellent with his goal kicking. The man that impressed the most in the last couple of matches has been Captain Burger Odendaal. He has been the Lions best ball carrier and has led from the front. The Lions scrum will win them this therefore I predict a home win by more than 12 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (Captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole
Ospreys
15 Dan Evans, 14 Keelan Giles, 13 Michael Collins, 12 Keiran Williams, 11 Luke Morgan, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Rhys Webb (captain), 8 Ethan Roots, 7 Morgan Morris, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Bradley Davies, 4 Rhys Davies, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Sam Parry, 1 Nicky Smith.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.23
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap :
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-11.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-11.5) 1.91
Playabets (-11.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
The Lions have incredible strength on the bench and this was apparent in the win over Munster. The match will be close affair but the second half is when the overseas teams tend to struggle due to the altitude. The Lions will look to run the ball as to tire out the Ospreys players. There are poor odds on the Lions outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-11.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-11.5) 1.91 and Playabets (-11.5) 1.88
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.
