Both teams had disastrous starts to their URC challenge as the Dragons were blown away 44-6 by Edinburgh while Munster were beaten 20-13 by Cardiff. These teams can take little comfort from the fact that they lost on the road. The Dragons in particular will be under pressure to get a win in their first home match of the season. They have an awful record against Munster, winning only one of their previous 10 meetings. Munster will welcome back a number of international players for this match so they will start as favourites.
TIP: The Dragons will be looking to new signings Sio Tomkinson and JJ Hanrahan to provide them with the impetus in their first match in front of the home fans. Tomkinson in particular is a robust type of player and will always get over the advantage line. His match up against Munster new signing Malakai Fekitoa promises to be one of the highlights of the match. The bookies have Munster as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.12, Playabets 1.14 and Sunbet 1.12
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Dragons vs Munster
- Munster have won the last eight matches against the Dragons
- The Dragons have only won once in the previous ten matches between these teams
Latest results for both teams
The Dragons lost 44-6 to Edinburgh in the last match while Munster were beaten 20-13 by Cardiff
PREDICTION
The Munster side is loaded with Irish internationals as they seek to avoid two successive defeats while the Dragons also have international players in Ross Moriarty and Taine Basham. These two players will be critical to the breakdown area as they are excellent over the ball. If they can slow the Munster ball down then they will have an outside chance of causing an upset. The visitors have one of the most potent back three’s in the competition therefore the Dragons need to be accurate with their kicking. I am predicting a Munster win by 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Dragons
15 Angus O’Brien, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Sio Tomkinson, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Taine Basham, 6 Sean Lonsdale, 5 Will Rowlands (c), 4 George Nott, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 2 Bradley Roberts, 1 Aki Seiuli
Munster
15 Mike Haley, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Dan Goggin, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ben Healy, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Jack O’Sullivan, 7 Peter O’Mahony (c), 6 Jack O’Donoghue, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Munster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.12
Playabets 1.14
Sunbet 1.12
Odds comparison on the Munster handicap:
The complete odds on the Munster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-14.5) 1.89
Playabets (-14.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Munster win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-14.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-14.5) 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.
