Ulster vs Exeter Predictions - Ulster to prevail against Exeter in EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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Brad Newcomb 1 hour ago

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Ulster have won 9 out 11 home matches this season.
Exeter have been in decent nick on the road.
Ulster are tipped to cover -1.5 handicap in the semi-final.

Ulster have been in excellent form at home this season (Getty Images)

Ulster have won all their home matches in the EPCR Challenge Cup this season and have never lost to Exeter in their own backyard. Exeter have had a solid campaign but have lacked consistency on their travels this season.

Ulster have won 3 of their last 4 fixtures in all competitions.
Ulster have won 9 of their last 11 home games in all competitions.
Ulster have won 2 consecutive home matches against Exeter.
Exeter have won 3 of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
Exeter have won 3 of their last 5 away games in all competitions.

Head to Head

Ulster have a slight edge with two victories to one over Exeter in three meetings.

Ulster Form

Ulster performed well against La Rochelle in their recent European Challenge Cup campaign, winning 41-24 at home.

Before that performance, Ulster played against the Ospreys in the round of 16, securing a narrow 28-24 home win over the Welsh team.

Ulster have contested two derbies in the United Rugby Championship since advancing to the semi-finals of the competition, losing 29-21 at home to Leinster and 41-14 away to Munster.

Ulster have performed well at home this season, winning nine of their 11 fixtures, including all four of their games in the competition so far. Additionally, they have defeated Exeter twice in a row at their stadium.

Exeter Form

Exeter edged Benetton away from home in their recent EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final match, coming out on top 44-41.

Before that, Exeter hosted Munster in the round of 16 of the competition, winning 31-21.

Exeter have had no success in the Premiership since reaching the European Challenge Cup semi-finals, losing at home 35-28 to the Northampton Saints and 34-31 away to Gloucester.

The Exeter Chiefs have a tricky test to overcome away at Ulster if they wish to reach the final of the competition, as their opponents have proven to be a difficult team to beat on home soil this season.

Team News

Ulster

Ulster captain Iain Henderson stated that his team are focused for the clash with Exeter: "We've got to concentrate this week on the Challenge Cup, that's the game right in front of us. To have a home knockout match is incredibly exciting and really important, so we're looking forward to it."

Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, James Hume, Bryn Ward, and Jude Postlethwaite have returned to training and could feature against Exeter this weekend.

Callum Reid and Ben Carson are out injured.

Exeter

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has stated that his team is ready for the challenge: “We’d love to be playing at home, but the challenge and the fulfilment from winning a semi-final away from home would be huge.

“It takes a lot to get to a semi-final of any competition; some players never do it.

“This could be one of those experiences that you might not ever get again in your lifetime.”

Ethan Roots has been suspended for three matches following a red card in the recent match against Gloucester.

Paul Brown-Bampoe picked up a head injury in the match against Gloucester and is unlikely to feature in the semi-final.

Verdict

Ulster v Exeter

Ulster have played their best rugby at home this season and are tipped to cover the -1.5 handicap in their EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final match against Exeter.

Ulster -1.5

Handicap

@2.00 - 3 Units

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Ulster Win

Result

@1.83 - 2 Units

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