Rugby
Connacht vs Munster Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: MacHale Park Kickoff Time: 15:30 (UK Time) Connacht host Munster on Saturday, 29 March at MacHale Park. Given the fact that both of these two teams suffered defeat last time out, we can surely expect an intense clash this weekend. For fans looking for added motivation to place a bet on the rugby, be comforted by the fact that these two sides are still in the hunt for a playoff position and so there is certainly a lot still to play for. If you're on the lookout for the best rugby betting offers ahead of this high-stakes encounter, now is the perfect time to explore your options
SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.
Tony Butler of Munster in action//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
A tightly contested affair likely awaits – and is reflected in the odds offered by online rugby betting sites.
Connacht: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
Munster: 5/6 (1.83) – 54.6%
Head-To-Head Record
Last three meetings
21/09/2024: Munster 34–13 Connacht
11/05/2024: Munster 35-5 S Connacht
01/01/2024: Connacht 17–15 Munster
Connacht Current Form – LWWLW
After back-to-back bonus point wins over Cardiff and Benetton, Connacht failed to get past a spirted Ospreys side last time out. Nevertheless, the hosts will still be confident of remaining in the hunt for a place in the top eight – and the playoffs.
Connacht continue to find themselves in games that thrill and excite – but their defensive instability and subsequent reliance on their attacking threat can only take them so far.
They will know they face an opponent here who won’t be intimidated about the visit to MacHale Park – so in order to realise the points on offer, Connacht will know they have to match the physicality of their guests.
Key Players to Watch
- Caolin Blade: A relentless scrumhalf who has recently marked 200 appearances for Connacht. He is now 30 years old, and caps for the national side – but his experience and enduring impact on this Connacht side reinforce his legendary status to the locals. Keep an eye on him here again.
- Ben Murphy: He has been simply brilliant for Connacht. Scoring tries for fun, his attacking prowess and his ability to finish, enhance the attacking threat of this side and should never be underestimated. He will be a big player for Connacht here.
- Cian Prendergast: A dynamic player who consistently delivers positive performances – there will be many at Connacht hoping he is able to deliver another stellar performance here. Contributing positively to both the attacking and defensive expectations at Connacht – Prendergast could be a potential match winner for his side.
Munster Current Form – LLWWL
Munster would have been bitterly disappointed not to come away with a win over the Glasgow Warriors last time out, especially with the rivalry between these two sides. Munster are currently 6th on the table, but only two points split them and 10th place – as is the competitive nature of the United Rugby Championship this season.
They will know that they must come away with points from their last few games of the regular season and failure to do so over Connacht could be seen as a chanced missed.
Key Players to Watch
- Tony Butler: A talent which continues to attract the attention of all at Munster, Butler has incredible composure, patience and skill. He effortlessly guides his team’s attacking threat and has proved to be a valuable asset in the number 10 role.
- Sean O’Brien: A powerful forward who continues to make a name for himself, there is no denying that he has strengthened the pack at Munster. He is a player who seemingly loves the high-intensity environment – and Munster will be hoping that continues for the rest of this season.
- John Hodnett: Another standout amongst the forwards, he is known as an aggressive ball-carrying flanker and an absolute trojan on defence. His contributions will be crucial for their success in this competitive environment.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets for those who want to bet on rugby are listed below.
Munster (Win): The visitors have traditionally dominated this fixture, winning 86 of the 101 meetings they have contested. They are a consistent side who we think might have too much for this Connacht side.
Over 45.5 Points: These two sides have at various moments demonstrated strong attacking capabilities in recent matches. A high-scoring game is almost a certainty – back the points market.
Value Bets
For those punters looking for a bit more bang for their buck!
Munster to Win by 1-5 Points: Despite the advantage Munster have had in the past, we don’t think they are going to blow away a spirited Connacht side. Back a tight affair by way of a small winning margin.
Both teams to Score Over 20 Points: Given the offensive strengths, we think there is value in taking the risk of backing these sides to score over 20 points each.
Prediction: Munster to Win
Munster have not necessarily achieved the consistency they would have liked during this season, but there is no denying the ability and talent of this side. They have a powerful forward pack, a dynamic and confident backline and together their side will take the game to their hosts. For those keeping an eye on the odds or exploring online betting sites, Munster's potential to upset the form book makes them an intriguing prospect this weekend.
We are on the away win here.
A quirky writer with an engaging tone, Ryan Liberty has seen his work published on many of South Africa’s sport’s publications. Ryan has a great passion for everything in the sporting world, from darts to football, motorsport and everything in between. His conversational flair allows him to bring diverse sporting topics to both the avid sports fan as well as the relaxed reader.
Related Content
- Stormers vs Bulls Preview
- Sharks vs Lions Preview
- The Sharks vs The Bulls Preview
- Stormers vs Lions Preview
- Sharks vs Saracens Preview
- Stormers vs La Rochelle Preview
- Benetton vs Edinburgh Prediction
- Sharks vs Leinster Prediction
- Ulster vs Stormers Prediction
- Edinburgh vs Zebre Prediction
- Warriors vs Munster Prediction
- Connacht vs Cardiff Prediction
- Benetton vs Ulster URC Prediction
- Cardiff vs Lions Prediction
- Scarlets vs Stormers Prediction
- Munster vs Scarlets URC Prediction
- Ospreys vs Leinster Prediction
- Bulls vs Leinster Prediction
- Leinster vs Scarlets Preview
- Sharks vs Munster Preview
- Bulls vs Edinburgh Preview
- Stormers vs Dragons Preview
- Bulls vs Cardiff Preview
- Leinster vs Zebre Preview
- Sharks vs Ospreys Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction