Leinster vs Cardiff
Table toppers Leinster take on 10th placed Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship. The depth of both teams will be severely tested as they have been decimated with nation team call ups for the Six Nations. The home team are famous for having a wealth of squad resources but even they are stretched especially in the backline. Cardiff welcome back a few experienced players who make the return from injury at this crucial stage. They are just a point behind the playoff places and will fancy their chances of getting at least a losing bonus point against a depleted Leinster team.
TIP: Cardiff were on a great run in this competition before falling to three defeats in their last four matches while Leinster remain the only unbeaten team on the table. They are a massive 11 points ahead of defending champions Stormers although they have played an extra game. The visitors will need their forward pack to front up physically to the home side if they are to be competitive. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.07, Playabets 1.06 and Sunbet 1.07
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Cardiff
- Leinster have won nine of the last ten matches against Cardiff.
- The last match between the sides was won by Cardiff 29-27
Latest results for both teams
Leinster beat Racing92 36-10 in their last match while Cardiff lost 37-24 to Brive in their last match.
PREDICTION
Leinster have plenty of talented but inexperienced players in the backline and no doubt Cardiff will be targeting their newbies. The visitors will look to the experienced players like Rey Lee-Lo and Lloyd Williams to attack the home team and prevent them from going any rhythm. It will be of crucial importance to Cardiff that they start the match well as it is an uphill battle to play catch up rugby against Leinster. The home team still have a very powerful pack and will to dominate Cardiff up front. We are predicting a home win by more than 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Chris Cosgrave, 14 Max O’Reilly, 13 Liam Turner, 12 Ben Brownlee, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Max Deegan, 7 Scott Penny, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Brian Deeny, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 John McKee, 1 Michael Milne
Cardiff
15 Rhys Priestland, 14 Owen Lane, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Jason Harries, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 James Ratti, 7 James Botham, 6 Josh Turnbull (c), 5 Seb Davies, 4 Lopeti Timani, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Kirby Myhill, 1 Brad Thyer
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.07
Playabets 1.06
Sunbet 1.07
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-17.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-17.5) 1.89
Playabets (-17.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Leinster outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-17.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-17.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-17.5) 1.84
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.
