Lions vs Munster
The Lions play host to an Irish giant for the second time in a week, this time it’s the turn of Munster. The home side put in one of the best attacking performances of the season in their last match as they smashed the log leaders Leinster 44-16 albeit they had a weakened side. The Lions won’t have it all their own way this week as Munter have rolled out all the big guns for this match. The visitors were superb in their last match as they beat the much-vaunted Bulls side in their own backyard. It was the Pretoria sides first home defeat in 22 matches.
TIP: The Lions team completely dismantled the Leinster side in the set piece but Munster promise to be a different beast with a host of internationals in their pack, including the Viking RG Snyman. He was instrumental in getting his side over the advantage line against the Bulls and also got on the scoresheet. The home team are currently in 11th spot but there is just one point separating the form 6th spot, highlighting the battle for playoff places. The bookies have Munster as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.40 and Hollywoodbets 1.40
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Lions vs Munster
- Each team has won one of the two matches played between them.
- The home team ahs won both the matches.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions beat Leinster 44-16 in their last match while Munster beat the Bulls 27-22 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Munster will again rely on their rock solid defence to keep the Lions at bay with the likes Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne among the best at lineout steals in the league. The one perceived area of weakness for the visitors is the scrum and no doubt the home side will be targeting the front row battle. The Lions have adopted a ball in hand approach for their home matches as they look to run the opposition players ragged. The altitude means the last quarter is very tough for the visiting sides. The man that holds the key for the home side is Sanele Nohamba, if he can get his potent backline to fire, they could cause an upset. I am predicting a Munster win by 3 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (c), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Morgan Naude
Munster
15 Simon Zebo, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jack O’Donoghue, 7 Alex Kendellen, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 4 RG Snyman, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Jeremy Loughman.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Munster victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.40
Hollywoodbets 1.40
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+6.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Munster outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+6.5), Gbets 1.90 (+6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.90 (+6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
