Rugby
Scarlets vs Stormers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Venue: Parc y Scarlets Kickoff Time: 15:00 (UK Time) SportsBoom previews the first of two games for the Stormers in Wales and Northern Ireland respectively. The first clash is at the Parc y Scarlets against the Scarlets in Wales on Saturday, 22 March. The South African side are in 12th spot on the United Rugby Championships standings - a point behind their hosts here. For those looking to add extra excitement to the action, check out a top-rated betting site with welcome bonus to get started
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Ben Loader of DHL Stormers//Getty Images
These two teams will be confident of qualifying for the playoffs this season, which makes this encounter even that much more enticing. Rugby fans who are looking to have a wager on the game are presented with two evenly matched teams – which are reflected in the odds available with online rugby betting sites – and a real opportunity to make good money.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Scarlets: 11/10 (2.1) 38%
Draw: 22/1 (23.0) 5%
Stormers: 15/20 (1.75) 57%
Head-To-Head Record
Last three meetings
28/10/2023: Stormers 52–7 Scarlets
25/11/2022: Stormers 36-19 Scarlets
21/05/2022: Scarlets 21–26 Stormers
Scarlets Current Form – LLWWL
The last time Scarlets played at home was on the 25th of January against Edinburgh. They ran out 30-24 winners that day and played some incredibly progressive rugby in front of their home fans.
Coming into this game though, they will be wanting to regain a degree of form after facing two seemingly convincing defeats on the bounce. The hosts will be fighting to retain their top-eight status in a rather congested URC table and they will know that they simply cannot afford another loss here.
Key Players to Watch
- Sam Costelow: He has consistently shown an ability to be a playmaker and add incredible value to this Scarlets attack. Whether or not he goes straight into the starting XV for Scarlets, after returning from international duty with Wales, remains to be seen. However, if he starts, he will certainly be one to watch.
- Blair Murray: Another player who has been in the Welsh national setup at the Six Nations, Murray has quickly made an immense impact with his pace and agility. He is a player who isn’t afraid to take the game to his opponents and everyone associated with Scarlets will be pleased to see him return to the club for the remainder of this season.
- Joe Roberts: The proverbial glue at Scarlets in recent times and a newly capped Welsh international. Roberts is an exciting player to watch. Playing through the midfield for Scarlets and offering incredible attacking and defensive attributes for his team – keep an eye out for the youngster here.
Stormers Current Form – WLLLL
The Stormers will no doubt be rather desperate for a positive result here. They will know that should they fail to return to the mother city with a successful tour, a playoff spot becomes practically impossible.
Given the congested nature of the log, a win essentially puts them right back into contention and will provide the momentum required for the remainder of their European tour.
John Dobson’s men expect to receive reinforcements from their injury list, and given the vulnerable nature of their hosts, the Cape franchise will be confident of coming away from Wales with maximum points in the bag – especially since they have never lost an encounter against their hosts at Parc y Scarlets.
Key Players to Watch
- Evan Roos: His return to the Stormers squad has brought with it dynamic ball-carrying and a physicality that this side has desperately lacked. He is a physical presence that will always bolster the forward pack of the team and given his experience, they will be hoping to benefit in difficult moments whilst on tour.
- Neethling Fouche: Fouche has quickly become a vital cog in this Stormers front row. His power, scrumming ability and contributions to their set pieces have seen him quickly become a fan favourite, but also a leader in the team. Keep an eye on him throughout this tour.
- Jurie Matthee: The fly-half at the Stormers who has turned heads throughout the rugby world. He consistently ensures the game is played at a good tempo and offers a dynamic playmaking ability to the attacking approach of the Cape outfit. He was vital against the Bulls and they will be hoping for more of the same here.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets for those who wants to bet on rugby are listed below.
Stormers (Win): They have never lost at the Parc y Scarlets, and we can’t see that changing here. Back the South African visitors to come away with maximum points. 11/10 (2.1) with Betway.
Over 50.5 Points: Neither side has shied away from committing to an attacking approach, and this encounter shouldn’t be any different. Back over 50.5 points here at 23/20 (2.3) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
For those punters looking for a bit more bang for their buck!
Stormers (-7.5) Handicap: The hosts lack any sort of confidence ahead of this fixture. Back the visitors to take full advantage of that and get past the advertised 7.5 handicap at 2/1 (3.0) with Hollywoodbets.
First Half Draw: In truth, this is a shot in the dark, but given the nature of games in Europe and their slow starts (coupled with the odds available on this betting angle) we are backing the first half to end in a draw at 12/1 (13.0) with 10Bet.
Prediction: Stormers to Win
The Stormers head to Wales knowing that anything less than a win hurts their hopes of qualifying in the top eight. They are currently 12th on the URC standings and victory here will likely see them end the weekend in the playoff spots.
Scarlets have lost three of their last five matches and so they too come into this game with a degree of pressure. The difference between them might be down to confidence and belief – and the visitors will be brimming with it. Back John Dobson’s men to claim a big victory away from home.
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.
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