Dragons vs Stormers Preview & Tips - Hosts backed for narrow win at Rodney Parade

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 15 Oct 2021

Ralph Staniforth 15 Oct 2021

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Dragons vs Stormers predictions for Friday’s United Rugby Championship fixture
Match is being played at 19:35 BST at Rodney Parade in Newport
Dragons have performed beyond expectations this season
Preview, tips, stats & team news

Expired

Dragons have started the season well with a win and two bonus point defeats (Getty Images)

Dragons vs Stormers Preview & Tips

This is expected to be a very tight affair. The Dragons have been extremely good but they don’t tend to runaway with many games. I am backing the hosts to win by 12 or less points.

Dragons vs Stormers Preview & Tips
Head to Head
Dragons Form
Dragons Team News
Stormers Form
Stormers Team News
Dragons vs Stormers FAQ

Dragons have lost their last 2 home games by 1 & 4 points.
Dragons beat Connacht 35-22 in their last match.
Stormers have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

The Dragons and Stormers have never previously played against each other.

Dragons Form

The Dragons have only managed one win from their three United Rugby Championship matches but their performances have been very good. Usually the Dragons are bottom feeders in the URC but they have impressed thus far.

On the opening weekend the Dragons lost at home to Welsh rivals Ospreys 27-23. That narrow loss was followed by one of the Dragons finest performances in recent years. In a titanic battle at home, the Dragons lost 7-6 at home to Leinster – one of the Europe’s finest sides.

While that was one of their finer performances, last week was arguably their best in the last five years. The Dragons went to Connacht and won 35-22, a place the Dragons haven’t won in about 15 years.

Dragons Team News

Dean Ryan has made three changes to his side for Friday. Ross Moriarty returns from injury this weekend while Argentine scrumhalf, Gonzalo Bertranou debuts. Ben Carter comes in at lock for the final change.

Stormers Form

The Stormers have made a reasonably impressive start to the 2021/22 URC. They are winless in the competition after three matches but have a draw to their name.

A narrow 22-18 loss to Benetton on the opening weekend was followed by a 34-18 loss at Munster. The Stormers made a great start in the latter match, leading 15-0 at one point and held an eight-point lead at the break.

Munster however showed their class in the second half to come out on top. Last week the Stormers made a slow start against Edinburgh, going 14-0 down within the first quarter.

They however fought back and were the better side for large periods. Tim Swiel missed a crucial penalty which could have snatched victory but they had to settle for a 20-20 draw in Scotland.

Stormers Team News

John Dobson has made six changes to the starting lineup this weekend. Junior Pokomela, on loan from the Cheetahs, will make his debut.

Stefan Ungerer and Manie Libbok return as a halfback pairing while Dan du Plessis and Ruhan Nel start as a centre pairing.

Dragons vs Stormers FAQ

Where can I watch Dragons vs Stormers live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Dragons vs Stormers live stream.

Verdict

Dragons v Stormers

Dragons and Stormers have both been competitive this season. I am backing home advantage to count in this one with the Dragons to win by 1-12 points.

Dragons by 1-12

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Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.