Lions vs Connacht Predictions - Lions backed to break losing streak

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 25 Apr 2025

Simon Lewis 25 Apr 2025

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Lions vs Connacht: Both teams out of form but still in playoff contention.
Lions have home advantage and a previous victory over Connacht.
Connacht struggled with inconsistency; must win to stay in playoff race.

Expired

Lions beat Connacht in their last meeting. (Getty Images)

Lions vs Connacht Predictions

This is a match between two out-of-form teams, both with slight hopes of still making the playoffs. Connacht were good last week against the Stormers, but on the ‘highveld’, I fancy the Lions to win this by more than 6.5 points.

Lions vs Connacht Predictions
Head to Head
Lions Form
Lions Injuries & Team News
Connacht Form
Connacht Injuries & Team News

Lions have lost their last 5 matches.
Lions beat Connacht in their last meeting.
Connacht have lost 4 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

The Lions beat Connacht last season 38-14 away form home.

Lions Form

The Lions made a cracking start to their URC campaign, mixing it with the big boys at the top of the table in the first few weeks. However, their form has fallen away since then and they are now 14th, nine points off the playoffs.

With just three weeks to go, even three bonus point victories will most likely not be enough, although not impossible. Last week’s 42-31 home loss to Benetton really hurt the Lions chances as they were well placed for four wins to end the season.

In fact, the Lions have not won since beating the Sharks 38-14 on 1 March. They’ve lost five matches on the bounce since then, although only one was at home.

Lions Injuries & Team News

The Lions would not have given up hope yet and will be aiming for three bonus point wins in their next three games. Expect a few changes from last weekend.

Connacht Form

Connacht have faired slightly better than the Lions although they have won a game less. They have 35 points from 15 games and with a strong finish, can still make the top eight, but they simply must win this game.

Inconsistency has plagued Connacht all season and they have just not been their usual dominant self at home. Connacht have lost four of their last five games with their only win in that span coming at home to Cardiff in the Challenge Cup.

Last week, Connacht put up a decent fight in Cape Town, eventually losing out 34-29 to the Stormers.

Connacht Injuries & Team News

Given the travel the week before, Connacht are expected to make a few changes to their side this weekend.

Verdict

Lions v Connacht

Lions are backed to cover the -6.5 handicap against Connacht.

Lions -6.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 3 Units

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.