Connacht vs Ospreys
The hosts will look to build on their last victory before the international break when they beat Ulster 36-11. The break came at a wrong time for them as they were building momentum. The Ospreys were also in great form before the break winning four of their five matches. Connacht love to play the fast paced running game while the visitors will be kicking a lot as usual. The weather in Galway will play a huge part as a wet day will favour Osprey’s style of play. The man that will be of most importance to the home team will once again be Jack Carty and when he has a good game then Connacht win but the opposite is also unfortunately true.
TIP: Ospreys have been very strong in the forwards and they showed this when they won against the previously unbeaten Munster in their last match. Their scrum has been a big strength for them meaning Connacht’s Finlay Bealham and Jordan Duggan will be tested to the maximum. Connacht in order to play their high tempo style of play need quick ball from the ruck and his could be an issue for them as the Ospreys are excellent at disrupting the rucks. The bookies have Connacht as slight favourites and I’m also tipping the home team for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Gbets 1.42, Playabets 1.45 and Sunbet 1.44
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Connacht vs Ospreys
- Connacht has won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- Connacht has only lost one of the last four home matches against Ospreys.
- The home team won the last encounter between the sides 26-19.
Latest results for both teams
Connacht beat Ulster 36-11 in their last match while Ospreys won 18-10 against Munster.
PREDICTION
The Connacht backline is packed with match winners and none more so than Bundee Aki. The Irish international fresh from his triumph over his native New Zealand looked to be in prime form and Ospreys will need to cut him down early or he could cause havoc. The Ospreys have their own dangerous player in Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert. He seems to be rejuvenated since his move back to Wales and his duel with Mach Hansen could prove to be one of the highlight of this contest. I expect the home team to win this tight contest by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 John Porch, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Abraham Papali’i, 7 Jarrad Butler (captain), 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Ultan Dillane, 4 Oisin Dowling, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Jordan Duggan.
Ospreys
15 Max Nagy, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Keiran Williams, 11 Mat Protheroe, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Rhys Webb (captain), 8 Ethan Roots, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Sam Cross, 5 Rhys Davies, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Nicky Smith.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Connacht victory are as follows:
Playabets 1.45
Sunbet 1.44
Odds comparison on the Connacht handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Connacht handicap victory:
Gbets (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92
Playabets (-5.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
The team that can dominate in the forwards will come out on top in this match and I expect the Connacht pack to come out on top. They have powerhouse players like Abraham Papali’I and Jarred Butler on the flanks and both of them are strong ball carriers. Ospreys must be accurate with their kicking as the home side has great counter attackers in their back three. If they are given space then they will make Ospreys pay. The bookies are offering decent returns on the home win but we suggest the value bet to be on the home side to cover the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Gbets (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.82
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.
