Rugby
Stormers vs Connacht Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Saturday 19 April Venue: Cape Town Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:00 (UK Time) We have a look at the United Rugby Championship game between the Stormers and Connacht in Cape Town. The hosts are currently still within touching distance of a playoff spot, and they will know that every point is vital for them. Connacht is currently in 13th place, but they are only three points off a playoff spot themselves. There really is so much riding on the result of this game, and given that neither side will want to give anything away here, expect some fireworks.
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Sean Jansen of Connacht is tackled by Ruben van Heerden of DHL Stormers//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
The best rugby betting sites seem to suggest that the Stormers are a banker bet here.
Stormers: 1/14 (1.07) – 93%
Connacht: 7/1 (8.0) – 8%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
Head-To-Head Record
Last three meetings
18/05/2024: Connacht 12–16 Stormers
13/05/2023: Stormers 43-25 Connacht
24/09/2022: Stormers 38–15 Connacht
Stormers Current Form – LWWLL
The Stormers were beaten last time out and as a result fell out of the playoff spots on the log. It is never an easy ask to travel up north and contest a rugby game in those conditions, but John Dobson will know that his side needs to find a response here.
The hosts are without some of their more experienced players, and while they may need to make a few changes, the only question mark still hovering over their side is their apparent lack of leadership.
Nevertheless, they are hefty favourites in the betting markets, and their home crowd will be expecting a big positive display here.
Key Players to Watch
- Warrick Gelant: Gelant is an exciting player to watch. His ability to create opportunities from anywhere on the field make him a dangerous player for the Stormers, but his skill and athleticism under the high ball and across their backline are often underestimated. He could be a pivotal player to watch here.
- Deon Fourie: Fourie is a relentless worker at the breakdown; his leadership quality, experience and just ruthless tenacity have been vital for the Stormers throughout their campaign. He is the ultimate example of South African rugby and deserves another big end to his season.
- Evan Roos: In almost every game he plays, Roos is considered a powerful ball carrier and a formidable presence in defence. His ability to regain possession of the ball at the breakdown and then secure yardage for the Stormers is largely the reason he is considered another future shining star for South African rugby.
Connacht Form – LWLLW
The Irish side has struggled to find a degree of consistency in recent weeks, and it has begun to cost them in the standings. They are still within qualification of the playoffs, given how close the log is from eighth down to 13th position – but the reality is they desperately need to find a win.
They have had to deal with a few concerns off the pitch as well. Their head coach, Pete Wilkins, is on sick leave currently, and so you would imagine the Irish side may have extra motivation to find a big finish on South African soil.
Key Players to Watch
- Cian Prendergast: Although the forward is a youngster, aged just 24, he has quickly become a natural leader and an important player for Connacht. Already boasting 74 appearances for the Irish side, he has committed himself to the club for another two years and will be fired up to see them finish strong here.
- Paul Boyle: Another seasoned veteran, Boyle, celebrated his 100th appearance for Connacht in their Challenge Cup fixture. Currently their all-time leading try scorer and an attacking prowess which is second to none, he will certainly be one to keep an eye on here.
- Matthew Devine: A player who has shown serious promise at Connacht. Every time he runs onto a rugby field, you get the feeling that something is about to happen. He is certainly a rising star for Irish rugby and one to keep your eye on.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets ahead of this URC clash seemingly align with the suggestions of the betting markets.
Stormers (Win): The Stormers have been really good at home; they have beaten Connacht before and will come into this encounter with incredible confidence. 1/14 (1.04) with Betway.
Stormers (-11.5): We back the Stormers to overcome the handicap of 11.5 at better odds. 4/10 (1.4) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
For those punters looking for a bit more risk, have a look at our value picks!
1st Half Handicap (+7.5): Back the visitors to stay within eight points of their hosts in the first half. A lot is riding on this game for both of these teams – it might result in a cagey affair to begin with. 1/1 (2.0) with Supabets.
Highest Scoring Half (2nd): Following on with the rationale of a cagey start, the second half is to be the highest scoring half in this encounter. 11/10 (2.1) with 10Bet.
Prediction: Stormers (-11.5) to Win
This is not the boldest prediction you will see this weekend, but a home win is crucial for their chances of qualification. The home crowd will be electric, and the atmosphere will surely match in Cape Town come Saturday afternoon.
Nevertheless, the home win is a banker. They have a powerful team and know they have to get the job done. For a little extra value, back them to overcome the 11.5 handicap as well.
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.