Rugby
Scarlets vs Leinster Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Saturday 26 April Venue: Parc y Scarlets Kickoff Time: 17:15 (UK Time) The race for the United Rugby Championships playoffs continues to heat up and this weekend is no different. Leinster are still ahead of the pack and there doesn’t seem to be anyone even close to challenging them for top spot on the log. With the stakes higher than ever, fans looking to add some excitement to the action might consider exploring online rugby betting opportunities. Scarlets are currently in ninth position and are still well and truly in with a shout for the playoffs. They will know they need the points, but playing Leinster is never a simple task.
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Tomi Lewis of Scarlets//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Early betting suggests that the visitors dominate this URC encounter.
Scarlets: 11/4 (3.75) – 27%
Leinster: 3/10 (1.3) – 73%
Head-To-Head Record
Last three meetings
18/11/2023: Leinster 54–5 Scarlets
28/10/2022: Scarlets 5-35 Leinster
16/10/2021: Leinster 50–15 Scarlets
Scarlets Current Form – WLWLL
The hosts have been up and down in their quest to finish the season inside of the top eight and qualify for the playoffs. Losing to the Stormers earlier this year required a big response from the Welsh outfit, but their convincing win against Ospreys would have regained some of their confidence.
They eased past the Dragons last time out and will no doubt come into this game with a degree of belief and confidence.
Key Players to Watch
- Loan Lloyd: He has simply been instrumental in Scarlets’ offensive ability throughout this season. He consistently adds points to this team’s ability, be it through coordinated attacking plays or by way of his boot and gives his side a real attacking depth.
- Loan Nicholas: He has shown a real attacking threat and prowess this season. His ability to find gaps and see his side launch incredible movement from the center of the field is simply second to none.
- Taine Plumtree: His performances have been notable due to his relentless work rate and physical presence for Scarlets. He continues to contribute to both their offensive and defensive abilities and has even seen himself cross the whitewash for his side.
Leinster Form – WWWWL
Leinster continued to struggle against Ulster. For the second season now, they have managed to beat Leinster in the league stage – showing that the Irish powerhouse is not incorruptible.
The visitors will no doubt want to respond to that defeat with a positive showing here, and even though they may be running away with the league at the moment, their consistency in excellence is always on full display.
Key Players to Watch
- James Lowe: He continues to be Leinster’s most potent attacking threat. His line breaks, work rate and ability to move the ball throughout this Leinster team all illustrate his importance and willingness to add holistic depth to this team.
- Jamison Gibson-Park: A half-back known for his openness to playing around the fringes and never allowing the opposing defensive system to fully settle. He has an incredibly accurate box kick and with a deliberate decision-making ability, he will always be a danger.
- Caelan Doris: The big number eight continues to register dominant performances for Leinster. A key player for the Irish side’s attacking and defensive ability, his physical presence often sees him adding immense value to his side’s endeavor.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets for punters looking to maximize online rugby betting odds for this URC encounter.
Leinster (Win): They have a squad that is totally littered with talent and ability. They will no doubt want to respond to their loss last weekend and at simple odds, we think they get back to winning ways here. 3/10 (1.3) with Betway.
1st Half – Draw no Bet: In the interest of taking full advantage of the odds available on this betting angle, back Leinster to get ahead in the first half at 4/10 (1.4) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
These are our picks for punters wanting a little more value.
Leinster (-9.5): Back Leinster to overcome the game handicap at incredibly valuable odds. 11/10 (2.1) with Supabets.
Over 50.5 Points: You have two teams who have something to play for and who both holds attacking weapons. The hosts are chasing a playoff spot while their visitors will want to right the wrongs of last weekend. 1/1 (2.) with 10Bet.
Prediction: Leinster to Win
They are without question the best team in the tournament and when they click, it is very difficult to try and stop them. This won’t be straightforward by any stretch of the imagination, especially since their opponents have something real to play for – but the quality in this Leinster side might be just a bridge too far.
For those looking to add a bit more excitement to the match, there are plenty of betting sites with welcome bonus offers that can add extra value to your wagers
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.