Leinster vs Ulster
Old rivals clash in this Irish derby when Leinster meets Ulster. Leinster are on top of the log on 24 points with Ulster in second position with 20 points. The home team are unbeaten in their five matches and have selected a team strong in every position. It is surprising to see Tadhg Furlong in the team after playing three test matches for Ireland. His presence alone means that Leinster will have the advantage at scrum time. He was immense in all three test matches. There is a recall for Jordan Larmour after he was dropped by Ireland and he will want to prove a point to the selectors.
TIP: There will be a number pf key battles in this match none more so than international scrumhalves Luke McGrath and John Cooney. They are both in the international wilderness so they will be keen to show that they still got a lot to offer. Leinster have incredible depth in their squad in that they can call on Robbie Henshaw who was injured for a long time but returned for Ireland in the last test match. He is giving Leinster a much needed boost. The bookies have the Leinster as heavy favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.14, Playabets 1.11 and Sunbet 1.14
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Ulster
- Leinster have won the last six matches against Ulster.
- The last time Leinster lost to Ulster at home was in 2013.
- Leinster won the last match between the sides 21-17.
Latest results for both teams
Leinster beat Glasgow 31-15 in their last match while Ulster lost 36-11 to Connacht.
PREDICTION
Ulster have got back some of their injured players like Stuart McCloskey who was sorely missed in the midfield. The visitors always look to him to give them that go forward crash ball. His duel with Henshaw will be one of the highlights of the match. Leinster have shown that they love to attack from all parts of the ground and Ulster will need to make sure that they kick wisely otherwise the dangerous back three of Leinster will counter attack all day. The overall quality of the home team makes me predict a win for them by more than 20 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Adam Byrne, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Ciarán Frawley, 11 Jordan Larmour, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath (c), 8 Rhys Ruddock, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Dan Leavy, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 James Tracy, 1 Ed Byrne
Ulster
15 Mike Lowry, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Ethan McIlroy, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 David McCann, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Greg Jones, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Andrew Warwick
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.14
Playabets 1.11
Sunbet 1.14
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-14.5) 1.87
Playabets (-14.5) 1.86
Predictions and Odds in details
Leinster will use the international quality in their pack to dominate in the forwards while Ulster will struggle to contain them. The home team will also use the rolling maul to great effect and they score many tries through this avenue. The away team must try and avoid set pieces and must play more ball in hand rugby to stand a chance. The bookies are offering poor returns on the Leinster outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-14.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-14.5) 1.8 and Playabets (-14.5) 1.86
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.
