Ulster vs Connacht Predictions - Ulster to cover the spread in Irish Derby

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 04 May 2023

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Marc Thomas 04 May 2023

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Watch Ulster vs Connacht in the United Rugby Championship on Friday (19:35 BST)
Ulster have won their last 5 matches at home
Will lady luck smile upon Connacht?

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Ulster tipped to cover the spread (Getty Images)

Ulster vs Connacht Predictions

Ulster take on Connacht in the first quarter final of the URC. Ulster have been a force to be reckoned with this season and will undoubtedly be the favourites in this one. Connacht have had a decent season but have been the weakest of the Irish sides this season so they will be up against it.

Ulster vs Connacht Predictions
Head-to-Head
Ulster Form and News
Connacht Form and News

Ulster have won their last 5 matches at home.
Ulster have won the last 3 head-to-head matches
Ulster have covered the -9.5 handicap in 4 of their last 5 home matches in all competitions
Connacht have lost their last 2 away matches in all competition

Head-to-Head

Ulster have an overwhelming 22-8 advantage with one draw in 31 meetings.

Ulster won 22-20 at Connacht in the last clash between the sides.

Ulster Form and News

Ulster finished the group stage in second position after winning thirteen matches. They deserved their second-placed finish and have been in good form.

Recent results include a 32-23 win at home over the Bulls and a 30-15 loss at Leinster. A 40-19 home win over the Dragons followed.

Ulster beat Edinburgh at home by 28-14 in their last match. It was a must win match and they did not disappoint. Powerful rugby eventually took its toll on the visitors as they conceded three tries to hand Ulster a deserved and polished win.

Ulster have included centre Stuart McCloskey and prop Rory Sutherland in the squad this week. Andrew Warwick and Luke Marshall miss the match after picking up injuries in the last match.

Connacht Form and News

Connacht qualified for the knockout stage in seventh place after winning ten matches. They have struggled on the road against better opposition.

A 57-34 win at Zebre was followed by a 22-20 win at Dragons. They subsequently lost 41-19 at Benetton in the Challenge Cup.

Their last result was a 29-27 loss at Glasgow Warriors. It was a titanic match against two good sides who gave it their all. Connacht scored a late try with five minutes to go but Glasgow held on and kept their discipline to see out the win.

Four changes have been made as Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen are welcomed back from illness. Dave Hefferman and Shamus Hurley-Langton are also back in the line-up this week.