Ulster have made a great start to their URC campaign with bonus point wins in their opening two matches while Leinster have also had bonus points wins in their two matches. Both teams are on ten points but Ulster are on top spot thanks to a better points differential. Leinster were on a six match winning run against Ulster but that streak was ended last season when Ulster beat them home and away. In both those matches Leinster did not field their strongest teams but they are near full strength for this match.
TIP: Leinster will be desperate to avoid three straight defeats to Ulster and they have selected a team that is brimming with Irish internationals. They also have the mercurial Johnny Sexton on the bench. There are many interesting match ups but none more so than the midfield battle between Ulster strongman Stuart McCloskey and the Irish incumbent pair of Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw. The winner of this contest will provide their team with excellent go forward ball. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.66, Playabets 1.68 and Sunbet 1.65
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Leinster
- Ulster have won the last two matches against Leinster
- Before these two defeats Leinster had won the previous six matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Ulster beat Scarlets 55-39 in their last match while Leinster beat Benetton 42-10 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Ulster team will be missing some key players for this match as they are away on the Ireland Emerging Squad tour to South Africa. Leinster will look to get a fast start and hold onto their lead in the second half as they have a very strong bench to come on later in the match. Ulster will again be looking to their rolling maul as their most dangerous weapon but this Leinster team possesses arguably the best defence against the maul in the competition. I am predicting a Leinster win by 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Michael Lowry, 14 Aaron Sexton, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Marcus Rea, 6 Matty Rea, 5 Kieran Treadwell, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Andy Warwick
Leinster
15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose (c), 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.66
Playabets 1.68
Sunbet 1.65
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap :
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.95
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.89
Playabets (-2.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Leinster outright win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.95, Sunbet (-2.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-2.5) 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.
