Cardiff vs Leinster Predictions - Leinster to secure an away win at Cardiff

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Brad Newcomb 2 hours ago

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Leinster: 11-game win streak, dominated Cardiff historically.
Cardiff: Strong home performance but poor record against Leinster.
Leinster favoured to cover the handicap

Leinster have an excellent record at Cardiff (Getty Images)

Cardiff have a dismal record against Leinster, but they have had a solid URC campaign. Leinster are on a lengthy winning streak and have consistently defeated Cardiff over the years.

Leinster have won 11 consecutive fixtures in all competitions.
Leinster have won 5 consecutive away games in all competitions.
Leinster have won 8 of their last 9 away games at Cardiff.
Cardiff have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
Cardiff have won 9 of their last 10 home games in all competitions.
Cardiff have lost 19 of their last 20 matches against Leinster.

Head to Head

Leinster have a commanding lead of 22 victories to two against Cardiff, including one draw in 25 meetings.

Cardiff Form

Cardiff travelled to play Ulster in their final match before a break in the league fixtures, losing 21-14 to their hosts.

Cardiff have performed well at home in the URC this season. They defeated the Lions 33-20, Connacht 14-8, Edinburgh 20-19, and lost 21-17 to the Scarlets before beating the Dragons 22-19, and Benetton 17-8.

Cardiff are 5th in the United Rugby Championship standings with 36 points from 11 games.

Cardiff have played their best rugby at home this season, but come up against one of their bogey teams, having lost 19 of their last 20 against their opponents.

Leinster Form

Leinster registered a 28-20 home victory over Edinburgh in their last outing in the league before the start of the Six Nations Championship.

Leinster have been in solid form away from home in the United Rugby Championship this season. They lost 35-0 to the Stormers and 39-31 to the Bulls before defeating the Dragons 24-10, Munster 13-8, and Connacht 34-23.

Leinster are 2nd in the URC standings with 40 points from 11 matches.

Leinster will be without some of their established players for this clash with Cardiff. However, they have a proven track record against their hosts, which should be enough to secure the win this weekend.

Team News

Cardiff

Outside centre Harri Millard has highlighted what it will take to match Leinster this weekend: “Expect a lot of line speed. They’re very good defensively and can get on top of you quickly. We want to use our skills to beat that line speed, get our wingers on the ball and cause a bit of chaos.

“To do that, we need quick ball from our forwards in midfield. If we get that, it should open up the edges for us backs.”

Liam Belcher, Ben Thomas, and Mason Grady have been released from the Wales Six Nations squad to play for Cardiff this weekend.

Leinster

Fly-half Harry Byrne has returned from the Ireland squad ahead of their URC game against Cardiff.

Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien and Rabah Slimani have all returned from injury and are available for selection.