Magners League Preview Round 20

As the Magners League nears a climax, the race for a place in the top four is on. With Munster already safely into the knockout phase and Ulster in excellent shape to join them, Ireland’s current premier side, Leinster, surprisingly still have a lot of work to do. After their impressive European win over Northampton last weekend, Joe Schmidt’s side will be determined to overcome Ulster at the Aviva Stadium, in what is undoubtedly the tie of the weekend. Table toppers Munster travel to Park y Scarlets to take on LIanelli in the other big match of Week 20.

Leinster Vs Ulster

Leinster will face Toulouse in the Heineken Cup Semi Final, but they will have to put this to the back of their minds if they are to progress to the knockout phase of the Magners League. There is no doubt the squad will be on a high after they’re victory over Leicester Tigers last weekend, but they will face stiff opponents in the shape of Ulster, who had their own Heineken Cup battle on Sunday evening. While the northerners suffered a 23-13 loss away to Northampton, much positivity can be taken from their determined display. On Saturday night, they will want to erase memories of the loss and have eyes for domestic glory. I expect this game to produce a Leinster win. A victory is pivotal in their pursuit to a playoff place and their home record is extremely impressive. The 2009 Heineken Cup winners are resting seven players from last weekend with Ulster just two but I still see Leinster edging it. I like Ulster +10 (Sporting Bet) at 10/11. Leinster 2/7 (Sky Bet) for the win while Shane Horgan for first try scorer is 11/1 Stan James.

Scarlets Vs Munster

Initially looking at this tie, I fancied Munster to continue their tremendous form. Despite being away from home they looked a good proposition. However after a bruising encounter in Brive last weekend, Head Coach, Tony McGahan, has rung the changes and sends out a young squad. Only three, Mick O’Driscoll, Lifemi Mafi and Denis Leamy, survive from the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter final last weekend. For the home side, hopes of claiming a top four finish is reliant on tonight’s result and that is reflected in the strong team selected by coach Nigel Davies. It is very difficult, no matter what the occasion, to go against Munster, but one has to fancy the Scarlets tonight. The Welsh side have more to play for, are at home and are sending out a strong starting 15. Scarlets are best priced for the win at 1/3 (Bet 365) and Munster HT/ Scarlets FT is a nice value bet at 6/1 (Stan James). If your looking for a Handicap, I think Munster (+8) at 10/11 is the way to go and watch out for Lifemi Mafi for Anytime Try Scorer at 4/1 (Boyle Sports).

My Tips

1pt Ulster (+10)

1pt Shane Horgan 1^st Try

1pt Munster HT / Scarletts FT

1pt Munster (+8)

1pt Lifemi Mafi Anytime Try Scorer

2pts Leinster and Scarletts Double

2011 Rugby Betting Stats

Staked = 20pts

Returned = 27.56pts

Profit/Loss = +7.56pts

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.

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