Connacht vs Leinster Predictions - Leinster to prevail against Connacht in derby clash
Leinster are tipped to cover the -2.5 handicap in their United Rugby Championship fixture against Connacht. Leinster have dominated this match-up, winning 13 consecutive encounters and nine straight away games against Connacht. Both sides are missing several players due to Ireland call-ups, with Leinster's Tadhg Furlong potentially facing suspension. Connacht recently secured a convincing home win over Zebre, but their poor record against Leinster remains a significant factor. Leinster's superior head-to-head record and recent form support the handicap tip.
- Leinster have won 13 straight matches against Connacht.
- Connacht have lost nine consecutive home games vs. Leinster.
- Leinster are tipped to cover the -2.5 handicap against Connacht.
Leinster have an impressive record against Connacht in the URC (Getty Images)
Connacht vs Leinster Predictions
Connacht have been in solid form at home recently, but they have a dismal record against Leinster. Leinster have a superior record over Connacht and are on a lengthy winning streak against their hosts.
- Leinster have won 3 consecutive fixtures.
- Leinster have won 9 consecutive away games against Connacht.
- Connacht have lost 13 successive matches to Leinster.
Head to Head
Leinster have a commanding lead of 31 victories to eight against Connacht in 39 meetings.
Leinster defeated Connacht 34-23 away from home last season.
Connacht Form
Connacht were in excellent form in the first half against Zebre last weekend, scoring five tries and four conversions to lead 33-17 at half-time.
The Irish team added three more tries to their tally in the second half to cruise to a 48-27 home win over Zebre.
Before that performance, the Westerners had mixed fortunes at the beginning of their URC campaign. They lost 29-15 to the Stormers at home and beat Benetton 22-19 away before losing 36-19 away to Glasgow Warriors.
The team from Galway are eighth in the United Rugby Championship table with ten points from four games.
Connacht will be pleased with their latest result, but face one of their hoodoo teams in the league, having suffered 13 consecutive defeats to Leinster in the competition, which is a poor return.
Leinster Form
Leinster could only manage a single try in the first half against rivals Munster last weekend, going into the break trailing 13-5.
The defending champions turned things around in the second half, scoring three tries and two conversions to secure a 24-18 home victory against Munster.
Before that result, the Boys in Blue had an indifferent start to their URC season, losing 27-26 to the Lions and 26-20 to the Sharks away from home, respectively, before beating Cardiff 29-5 at home.
The team from Dublin are currently sixth in the United Rugby Championship standings with 13 points after four rounds.
Leinster have come into some form after a slow start to their campaign and will fancy their chances of beating Connacht away from home, having won their previous nine visits to their opponents' stadium.
Team News
Connacht
Head coach Stuart Lancaster has admitted that his team face a tough match against Leinster: "It's winnable but equally very respectful of the quality of the opposition we're playing against.
"We played them twice last year and got beaten quite easily at the Aviva and then even at the opening of the Dexcom here, they had a group of players, didn't have all the internationals playing but they still managed to have the composure, the experience and the quality to beat us in the last 20 minutes.
"The challenge for us is to narrow the gap between us and them and make sure that we put our best foot forward".
Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Ciaran Frawley, Cian Prendergast, Darragh Murray, Sean Jansen, Sam Illo, and Billy Bohan will be missing due to Ireland duties.
Leinster
Prop Tadhg Furlong could face suspension after being cited following an alleged 'groin grab' incident involving Munster's Gavin Coombes last weekend.
Ireland centre Garry Ringrose has been ruled out of the Nations Championship with injury.
Ryan Baird, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Rónan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jimmy O'Brien,
Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Andrew Porter, Sam Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, and Josh van der Flier have been called up for Ireland in the upcoming end-of-year Tests.
Verdict
Leinster have a tremendous record against Connacht in the URC and are tipped to cover the -2.5 handicap in their derby clash.
Leinster -2.5
Handicap
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