Connacht vs Ulster Prediction: A tight contest between two similar sides

In round nine of the United Rugby Championship, Connacht will play Ulster at Dexcom Stadium. The two teams have the same points accumulated from their first eight matches of the season and will eye a win here. How will this game unfold? Below, I will provide a match preview and betting opportunities. 

Connacht took on Leinster the previous weekend and lost. In a game that ended 20-12, this team had a very strong second-half performance, but it was not enough to see them win after losing 14-0 in the first half. However, that defeat was Connacht’s second in recent encounters, having lost to Bulls at home in a league game. 

Meanwhile, Connacht secured wins over Dragons, Zebre, and USA Perpignan in that run. This season, Connacht have 18 points from their first eight matches. With 189 goals scored, Connacht conceded 208 as they sit 10th in the standings.  

Ulster took on Munster the previous time out and ended up losing. In a game that ended 19-22, a poor second-half performance denied this team a win despite having a strong first half, which saw them win 7-5. 

However, Ulster have seen their last five matches end in defeats. In that run, this team lost to Cardiff Rugby, Leinster, Stade Toulousain, and Bordeaux Begles. In fact, Ulster have two wins in their last matches, coming against Ospreys and Connacht. In that run, Ulster suffered seven defeats as they failed to win their last six matches away from home. 

This season, from eight matches, Ulster have 18 points and sits 11th spot. 

Connacht won two of the last five matches of this meeting. However, Ulster won three other encounters. Away from home, Ulster have won twice within the last four years in this fixture, while Connacht won three in this fixture. 

Connacht is well-favoured in this game, but I do not trust them, looking at how they have performed all season and their inconsistent play. While Ulster are going through their worst run of performances, they have also failed to win any of their recent games in both league and European competitions. The two teams have a lot to give, considering that they are performing at the same level. Yet, Ulster are not far away from competing against a side at the same level as theirs. Therefore, I will take the road team, despite their struggle, to cover the spread while the score is high.