Connacht v Stormers, URC Betting Preview
The URC is fast approaching the playoffs and we take a look at a crucial match between 2 of the contenders as Connacht host the Stormers on Saturday 18 May.
CONNACHT v STORMERS
Match Handicap: Connacht +5.5, all prices subject to change
Connacht welcome the Stormers to Dexcom Stadium in a crucial must-win clash for the hosts. Currently 9th on the log, Connacht have won 9 and lost 7 matches this season. Their most recent outing was a 47-12 defeat to Munster, leaving them empty-handed. Against South African opposition, Connacht have struggled, with their latest home game resulting in a 38-14 defeat to the Lions.
Connacht have averaged 29 points per game at home in the URC, but this drops to 25 points when facing teams in the top 8.
The Stormers secured their 10th win in the URC last weekend with an emphatic 44-21 victory over the Dragons, crucially securing a much needed bonus point. Currently 5th on the log, they sit just below their South African rivals, the Bulls, who occupy the last home quarter-final spot in fourth position. This weekend, the Stormers travel to Connacht hoping to secure their place in the quarter-finals, knowing there is just one round remaining after this. Having registered back-to-back victories, the Stormers enter this clash in good form and will be confident in getting the job done.
The Stormers have averaged 22 points per game away from home in this competition, but this improves significantly to 31 points per game against teams outside the top 8.
Head to Head:
The Stormers triumphed 43-25 in last season’s semi-final playoff clash between these two teams at Cape Town Stadium, while Connacht secured a 19-17 victory in their only meeting on home soil on February 26th, 2022.
BOOKIE BASHER PLAY
With so much at stake for both sides, this could prove to be closer than anticipated. However, I feel the Stormers are the right choice here and fancy the minus to deliver.
Handicap, Stormers -5.5 at 1.87
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Tags: Connacht v Stormers, Betting Preview, United Rugby Championship, URC